The Planning Applications Committee met to discuss the installation of electric bus infrastructure at Acacia Hall Car Park in Dartford, and to note several matters dealt with under delegated powers. The committee approved the installation of the electric bus infrastructure, and also agreed to include an informative encouraging the applicant to consider measures to prevent HGVs from entering the bus charging area.

Electric Bus Charging Infrastructure at Acacia Hall Car Park

The committee considered an application for the installation of electric bus charging infrastructure, LV feeder pillar and associated equipment; three electric bus chargers; creation of new entrance and exit accesses for buses and pedestrians; relocation and removal of two existing uncontrolled pedestrian crossings of the Kent Fastway; new lighting columns; a new triangular island bus stop, and associated landscaping at Acacia Hall Car Park, South of Dartford Town Centre.

A representative of the Diocese of Rochester, who own the vicarage immediately west of the site, addressed the committee to raise concerns about the impact on heritage and visual amenity, environmental effects, and the loss of parking. Peter Jeffrey from Sphere 25 Planning Consultants, speaking on behalf of the applicant, argued that the proposals were supported by detailed site-specific feasibility exercises and had been carefully crafted to ensure that the proposed facility could operate safely and efficiently with negligible impact on nearby occupiers and residents.

The committee discussed the merits of the proposed site compared to alternatives, the public right of way, and the potential for delays to the project. Councillor Ryan Waters, the local member, expressed his full support for the application, stating that the benefits to the local community were clear and that he had received supportive feedback from local residents.

Councillor Harry Rayner proposed an amendment to include an additional condition requiring the submission of details to prevent errant HGV movements into the bus charging area. Councillor Wayne Chapman seconded the amendment. Councillor Stuart Heaver opposed the amendment, arguing that it was not the job of the planning committee to tell experts where infrastructure should go. Councillor Terry Mole agreed, stating that it was unlikely to happen and would only delay the scheme. The committee voted against the amendment.

The committee then voted to approve the original motion, with the addition of an informative encouraging the applicant to consider and incorporate measures to prevent errant HGV movements entering the bus charging area from the Fastrack network.

The planning permission was granted, subject to conditions covering:

1. Commencement of development within three years.
2. Development carried out in accordance with submitted details.
3. Use of specified external materials and colour finishes.
4. Implementation of the submitted landscaping scheme, managed and maintained for 30 years.
5. Submission of a landscape management plan.
6. Archaeological field evaluation works.
7. Implementation of safeguarding measures for archaeological remains.
8. Archaeological safeguarding measures carried out in accordance with agreed specification and timetable.
9. Inclusion of baffles on lights closest to the River Darent.
10. Submission of a lighting strategy.
11. Submission of a post-installation verification of installed lighting.
12. No additional lighting without further approval.
13. Submission of a verification report for the surface water drainage system.
14. Submission of a strategy to deal with potential contamination risks.
15. Submission of a verification report demonstrating completion and effectiveness of remediation works.
16. Remediation strategy for any previously unidentified contamination found during development.
17. Submission of a Construction Environmental Management Plan.
18. Completion and maintenance of access and egress points.
19. Provision and retention of vehicle visibility splays.
20. Provision and retention of pedestrian visibility splays.
21. Removal of pedestrian crossing points and reinstatement of footway and kerb.
22. Operation of the development using 12.2 metre long buses only.
23. Submission of a Biodiversity Gain Plan.

The committee also agreed to include the following informatives:

• The Environment Agency reminds the applicant that only clean uncontaminated water should drain to the surface water system.
• The County Ecologist has requested that if there are periods when the lighting is not required, that the lighting is switched off or dimmed that period.
• Kent Highways remind the applicant that planning permission does not convey any approval to carry out works on or affecting the public highway about seeking highway land approval.
• The applicant is encouraged to consider and incorporate measures to prevent errant HGV movements entering the bus charging area from the Fastrack network.

The report pack included a supplementary planning statement which provided further information in respect of the financial considerations of the planning application, with particular focus on the Department for Transport ZEBRA grant¹, electric bus fleet, contractual obligations, and projected financial risks.

Matters Dealt With Under Delegated Powers

The committee noted the county matter applications, county council developments, screening opinions and scoping opinions dealt with under delegated powers since the meeting on 9 July 2025.