®Planning appeal decision
Stephens Bridge Field, Water Lane, Headcorn, Ashford, Kent, TN27 9JP
without planning permission, the material change of use of the Land to a mixed residential use and keeping of horses, comprising the stationing of mobile homes and touring caravans, together with associated operational development, including the laying of hard surfacing, substantial raising of land levels, extensive excavation works and the formation of an access
- Authority
- Maidstone Borough Council
- Appeal type
- enforcement · Enforcement Notice
- Procedure
- Hearing
- Development
- caravan-gypsy · Major traveller and caravan pitches
- Inspector
- Steen A
Main issues, as the Inspector framed them
- The effect of the development on flood risk
- Whether the development would preserve the Grade II listed building known as Stephens Bridge or its setting or any features of special architectural and historic interest (or significance) which it possesses
- The effect of the development on the River Beult Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
- The effect of the development on the intrinsic character and beauty of the landscape and adjacent rural lane
- Whether there are any material considerations that would indicate a decision other than in accordance with the development plan, such as the need for the development and the personal circumstances of the occupiers (including whether they are Gypsies or Travellers)
What decided it
The flood risk posed by the development, including the lack of safe exit and increased flood risk to Headcorn, which constituted a Footnote 7 'strong reason for refusal' disapplying the presumption in favour of sustainable development.
The identified benefits relating to Gypsy and Traveller accommodation need and the occupiers' personal circumstances did not outweigh the harm from flood risk and to the setting of the listed building, and the development conflicted with the development plan as a whole.
Framework references: 212, 214, 215, 11
Plan policies cited: LPRS14(A), LPRS14(C), LPRQD4, LPRHOU8, HNP Policy 2, LPRSP15, HNP Policy 1, LPRSS1, PLRSP9, LPRS15, HNP Policy 5
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.