Land to the East and West of Church Street, Cliffe, Rochester, Kent, ME3 7QP

an outline application with all matters reserved except for access for a residential development of up to 250 dwellings and a mixed-use community hub together with associated infrastructure including public open space and community facilities comprising a replacement sports ground and pavilion, with accesses from Church Street, Cooling Road and Buttway Lane

Authority: Medway Council
Appeal type: other · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Inquiry
Development: residential · Unknown
Inspector: Norman R

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

Whether the proposed development would be in a suitable location having regard to access to services and facilities
The effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area and the countryside
The effect of the development on the living conditions of nearby residents
The effect of the development on the provision of community facilities, specifically the APCM Sports Ground
In light of the lack of a five-year housing land supply, the weight that should be given to the relevant Development Plan Policies

What decided it

The significant benefits of the scheme, particularly housing delivery under the tilted balance, significantly and demonstrably outweighed the limited-weight conflict with the out-of-date Policy BNE25.

The significant benefits of market and affordable housing, improved sports and community facilities, open space, biodiversity net gain and economic benefits significantly and demonstrably outweighed the limited-weight conflict with Policy BNE25, tipping the tilted balance in favour of granting permission.

Framework references: 11, 84, 92, 99, 105, 111, 130

Plan policies cited: Policy S1, Policy S2, Policy BNE25, Policy T3, Policy T4, Policy BNE1, Policy BNE2, Policy T2, Policy L3, Policy INFRA3, Policy SUSDEV4, Policy CF2

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

The main issues and the deciding factor are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.