Land to East of Chapel Lane, Thurnham, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 4PQ

residential development of 2 detached dwellings

Authority: Maidstone Borough Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: residential · Minor Dwellings
Inspector: Davies N

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposed development upon the character and appearance of the area, including the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

What decided it

The proposal would cause substantial harm to the character and appearance of the countryside and the setting of the Kent Downs AONB, which provides a clear reason for refusal under paragraph 11d)1 of the Framework, displacing the presumption in favour of sustainable development.

The limited contribution to housing supply does not outweigh the conflict with development plan policies and the Framework protecting the countryside and AONB setting.

Framework references: 11

Plan policies cited: Policy SP17, Policy DM1, Policy DM30

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
- Landscape and environment. Green belt, national parks and national landscapes, SSSIs, ancient woodland, SPA, SAC and Ramsar sites, nutrient catchments.
- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
- Transport. The 800 metre station catchment and service frequency, bus stops with their weekday frequency, the cycle network, and the Framework’s transport tests measured for the site.
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