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Planning and Licensing Committee - Tuesday, 19th March, 2024 7.00 pm

March 19, 2024 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)
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Summary

The council meeting focused on planning and licensing issues, with significant debate on a controversial solar farm application. Decisions were made on four planning applications, and appeal decisions were reviewed.

  1. Pent Farm Solar Project (23-0580-FH): The application for a solar farm was refused despite arguments about its benefits for renewable energy and biodiversity. Opponents cited the impact on the Kent Downs National Landscape. The refusal aligns with local policies protecting the landscape, highlighting the council's prioritization of environmental conservation over development.

  2. Affinity Water Facility (23-1798-FH): The committee approved plans for modifications at the Affinity Water site, including the demolition of a residential property. The decision was supported due to the operational needs of Affinity Water and the benefits of retaining employment in the area. The local parish council's concerns about losing a dwelling were overridden by the broader utility needs.

  3. Conversion at 88 Sandgate Road (22-0855-FH): Approval was granted for converting a former gym into three residential units. The decision was straightforward, with minimal opposition and recognition of the need for more housing. The project includes minor external alterations to a listed building, preserving its heritage while enhancing utility.

  4. Listed Building Consent for 88 Sandgate Road (22-0855-LBC): Following the approval of the main conversion project, listed building consent was also granted, ensuring that the historical aspects of the building are maintained during its conversion.

Additional Information: The meeting also included a review of recent appeal decisions, with most supporting the council's original decisions. One appeal decision was notably criticized by a planning officer for potentially harming the character of the ALMB. The meeting marked the retirement of a long-serving staff member, Sue Lewis, with the council expressing gratitude for her 36 years of service.

Attendees

Rob Bailey
Ellen Joyce
Sue Lewis
Helena Payne
Alex Stafford
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Paul Thomas
Councillor Attendee: Paul Thomas  Independent •  New Romney Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Mrs Jennifer Hollingsbee
Councillor Attendee: Mrs Jennifer Hollingsbee  Leader of the Conservative Group •  Conservative •  North Downs West Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Gary Fuller
Councillor Attendee: Gary Fuller  Liberal Democrats •  Sandgate and West Folkestone Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Belinda Walker
Councillor Attendee: Belinda Walker  Labour and Co-operative Party •  Broadmead Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Tony Cooper
Councillor Attendee: Tony Cooper  Labour and Co-operative Party •  Romney Marsh Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Nicola Keen
Councillor Attendee: Nicola Keen  Deputy Leader of the Labour Group •  Labour •  Folkestone Harbour Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Mike Blakemore
Councillor Attendee: Mike Blakemore  Green •  Cheriton Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Anita Jones
Councillor Attendee: Anita Jones  Green •  Hythe Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Polly Blakemore
Councillor Attendee: Polly Blakemore  Green •  Cheriton Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Clive Goddard
Councillor Attendee: Clive Goddard  Conservative •  Walland and Denge Marsh Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Rebecca Shoob
Councillor Attendee: Rebecca Shoob  Deputy Leader of the Green Group •  Green •  Cheriton Ward
Profile image for Councillor Attendee: Jackie Meade
Councillor Attendee: Jackie Meade  Labour •  East Folkestone Ward

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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