Planning appeal decision
High Lees Farmhouse , Wagon Lane, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PT
Planning appeal 3342971 at High Lees Farmhouse , Wagon Lane, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PT (Maidstone Borough Council) was dismissed on 26 November 2024 by Inspector Walker R, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: Whether the proposal is an acceptable form of development having regard to its flood zone location.
change of use from agricultural barn to an equestrian mental health and wellbeing therapeutic programme centre with construction of first floor and creation of associated ancillary bedroom accommodation and services. Construction of a new road with access to Wagon Lane and car parking for 13 no. cars (resubmission of 22/504082/FULL)
- Authority
- Maidstone Borough Council
- Appeal type
- minor · Planning Appeal
- Procedure
- Written Representations
- Development
- community-institutional · Change of use
- Inspector
- Walker R
- Postcode
- TN12 6PT
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- Whether the proposal is an acceptable form of development having regard to its flood zone location
- The effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the surrounding area
What decided it
The proposal fails the Sequential Test as there is insufficient evidence that reasonably available alternative sites in lower flood risk areas have been properly assessed, contrary to paragraph 168 of the NPPF.
What the Inspector cited
- Development plan policies
- LPRSS1LPRSP15LPRSP9LPRQD4
- National Planning Policy Framework
- Paragraph 168
How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.
See how each was appliedThe decision letter
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With an account
What an account adds to this decision


More decisions in Maidstone Borough Council
The authority’s record since 2016 · every decision in 2024
- Dismissed29 October 2026601053621 Tasker Close, Bearsted, Maidstone, ME15 8NZ
- Allowed27 October 20266015190Little Southernden, Southernden Road, Headcorn, TN27 9LL
- Allowed27 October 20266011721Loxley House, Gravelly Bottom Road, Kingswood, Maidstone, ME17 3NT
- Allowed27 October 20266011076Little Southernden, Southernden Road, Headcorn, TN27 9LL
- Allowed26 October 20266010539Land Rear Of 58 Church Street, Boughton Monchelsea, Maidstone, ME17 4HN
The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.
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