TMBC to consider application for up to 250 homes
on 'Forty Acres' west of Winterfield Lane
This application, if approved would see up to 250 homes on this site which forms part of the strategic gap between East and West Malling. EMCG is opposed to the application and you can read our full response here
The application - reference 19/01814/OA - can be viewed here on TMBC's website.
The application - reference 19/01814/OA - can be viewed here on TMBC's website.
The application was heard by the Area 3 Planning Committee in July when a majority of Councillors voted against the officer's recommendation to approve. The matter now stands deferred to the next Area 3 meeting for legal advice.
Heath Farm, Wateringbury Road - And Amber Lane Appeals
Liberty appeal against refusal of planning permission
Liberty's application for 40 homes at Heath Farm was turned down earlier in the summer of 2019 by TMBC's Area 3 Planning Committee, along with a separate application at Amber Lane which, although accessed from Kings Hill, is also in East Malling. Applications on three other sites on Kings Hill, that are currently designated for employment use but which Liberty wished to change to residential, were also turned down by the Area 2 Committee.
Liberty appealed to the Planning Inspector in respect of all these matters. However, subsequently, the appeal relating to Heath Farm has been withdrawn.
The Public Inquiry relating to the other matters, including the site north of Amber Lane, was heard in December 2019. The Planning Inspector subsequently allowed the appeals on the employment sites in Kings Hill but refused permission for development at Amber Lane. The impact on the ancient woodland was a very important factor in the refusal of permission on this site.
Liberty appealed to the Planning Inspector in respect of all these matters. However, subsequently, the appeal relating to Heath Farm has been withdrawn.
The Public Inquiry relating to the other matters, including the site north of Amber Lane, was heard in December 2019. The Planning Inspector subsequently allowed the appeals on the employment sites in Kings Hill but refused permission for development at Amber Lane. The impact on the ancient woodland was a very important factor in the refusal of permission on this site.
Planning Inspector refuses appeal by Bellway
for 65 homes adjacent to Malling Abbey
The Planning Inspector has ruled, after a hearing lasting several days, that Bellway's appeal to build 65 homes on land to the east of Lavenders Road, on the eastern side of Malling Abbey, should be refused. This is an excellent outcome and we congratulate all those involved in securing this outcome.
Two of our Committee Members attended on the first day of the Inquiry and made statements to the Inspector in support of the refusal.
Clearly the significance of the heritage assets, namely Malling Abbey and the West Malling Conservation Area, were of key significance including the impact that would be felt by the substantial loss of trees along Swan Street.
Well done to everyone who campaigned so hard to achieve this excellent outcome.
Click here to view the Inspector's decision in full.
Two of our Committee Members attended on the first day of the Inquiry and made statements to the Inspector in support of the refusal.
Clearly the significance of the heritage assets, namely Malling Abbey and the West Malling Conservation Area, were of key significance including the impact that would be felt by the substantial loss of trees along Swan Street.
Well done to everyone who campaigned so hard to achieve this excellent outcome.
Click here to view the Inspector's decision in full.
'Parkside' Application for 110 homes at New Road, East Malling
This application has now been approved by the Area 3 Planning Committee. A member of EMCG's Committee spoke at the Planning Committee, and our local Councillors raised concerns regarding highways issues, in particular affects on the junctions at either end of New Road and the need for a reduced speed limit on New Road and crossing facilities. Improvements at the A20 are required as part of the application, and Highways agreed to look at other aspects.