®Planning appeal decision
Land north of Timbers, Boarley Lane, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 3DE
part change of use; conversion and extension to existing barn to create new residential dwelling
- Authority
- Maidstone Borough Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- residential · Change of use
- Inspector
- Carpenter C
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the surrounding countryside, including the setting of the Kent Downs AONB
- trees and biodiversity, including the measures necessary to avoid, mitigate or compensate for any negative effects
What decided it
The proposal would cause significant adverse impact on the setting of the Kent Downs AONB and harmful effect on landscape character, and failed to adequately demonstrate the effect on trees and biodiversity through appropriate surveys before permission was granted.
The economic benefits of construction, housing supply and the appellant's personal circumstances did not outweigh the permanent harm to landscape character and the setting of the AONB, and the failure to adequately assess effects on trees and biodiversity.
Framework references: 83, 84, 182, 186
Plan policies cited: Policy SS1, Policy SP17, Policy DM1, Policy DM3, Policy DM5, Policy DM30, Policy DM31
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.