Committee rejects 421-home scheme despite warning from officers over appeal costs

Planning committee members at Maidstone Borough Council have rejected a 421-homes planning application despite a warning of “significant costs” from officers if an appeal were to succeed.

Developer Bellway had applied to build on 16.1 hectares of farm land at Oatham, with 30% of the homes to be affordable.

The officer’s report said Kent County Council was “raising objections on the basis of an unacceptably severe traffic impact" on two roads and safety hazards on a third but these “objections are not considered to be reasonable grounds to refuse planning permission”.

It also said Historic England had objected over harm to the setting of a grade 1 listed church - and to traffic problems that would deter visits to the church and so endanger its viability - but “the local planning authority does not agree the development would threaten the church’s economic viability”.

Three parish councils, various local organisations, 363 members of the public and local Conservative MP Helen Whately also raised objections.

Councillors then voted the proposal down, and an associated one, triggering a further meeting under council rules.

A Maidstone statement said: “Contrary to officers' recommendations, the planning committee voted to refuse both planning applications.

“Officers advised they did not consider the grounds for refusal were sustainable and would have significant cost implications at appeal.

“Therefore, in line with the council’s constitution the decisions have been deferred until the next meeting on 25 June where officers will provide further advice on the grounds for refusal and costs implications.”

Mark Smulian