Update 19/7/19
West Malling Parish Council have launched a Crowdfunding page to help raise funds to challenge the appeal. For more details please follow this link:
https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/protectlavendersroad/
West Malling Parish Council have launched a Crowdfunding page to help raise funds to challenge the appeal. For more details please follow this link:
https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/protectlavendersroad/
Update 14/06/2019
The appeal hearing will commence on Tuesday 20th August and will be held at The Civic Suite, Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill. It is anticipated that the hearing will last for a maximum of 6 days; residents are encouraged to attend the hearing to show the Inspector the strength of feeling against this application.
West Malling Parish Council, alongside East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council and Protect West Malling Group are instructing a legal team to represent us at the appeal hearing.
The appeal hearing will commence on Tuesday 20th August and will be held at The Civic Suite, Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill. It is anticipated that the hearing will last for a maximum of 6 days; residents are encouraged to attend the hearing to show the Inspector the strength of feeling against this application.
West Malling Parish Council, alongside East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council and Protect West Malling Group are instructing a legal team to represent us at the appeal hearing.
Update 07/05/2019
We have been advised by T&MBC that Bellway Homes have appealed this application on the grounds of non-determination; as a result, this application will now be decided by the planning inspectorate and not at the Area 2 Planning Committee on 29th May.
We understand that T&MBC would have recommended that this application be refused and that they still expect to report the matter to the meeting on the 29th May to seek endorsement from councillors on their reasons for refusal; their reasons for refusal will be used to fight the appeal.
The T&MBC report produced for the Area 2 Committee on 29th May will be made available to the public in the normal way, but as the matter is not to be determined by the committee there will be no public speaking on this date. All representations previously put forward by residents (and other consultees such as the Parish Council) will be forwarded to the planning inspectorate.
T&MBC have not received a timescale from the planning inspectorate. We will update residents as soon as we are advised on the likely appeal date.
We have been advised by T&MBC that Bellway Homes have appealed this application on the grounds of non-determination; as a result, this application will now be decided by the planning inspectorate and not at the Area 2 Planning Committee on 29th May.
We understand that T&MBC would have recommended that this application be refused and that they still expect to report the matter to the meeting on the 29th May to seek endorsement from councillors on their reasons for refusal; their reasons for refusal will be used to fight the appeal.
The T&MBC report produced for the Area 2 Committee on 29th May will be made available to the public in the normal way, but as the matter is not to be determined by the committee there will be no public speaking on this date. All representations previously put forward by residents (and other consultees such as the Parish Council) will be forwarded to the planning inspectorate.
T&MBC have not received a timescale from the planning inspectorate. We will update residents as soon as we are advised on the likely appeal date.
Update 05/04/2019
Bellway Homes have submitted revised plans, so this application will not be heard at the 10th April Area 2 Planning Committee as expected.
Although this is an Outline Application only they have provided a “sketch scheme” to show how the site might now be developed (see below).
The Parish Council’s Planning Committee expect to consider the revised plans this month although the amended scheme does not address our in-principle objections as previously set out:
• it would damage the rural setting, character and approach to the town including Lavenders Road - a designated Quiet Lane
• is on land designated as Green Belt in the emerging Local Plan
• is unnecessary to meet housing need
• the proposed access onto Swan Street would cause congestion and create a traffic hazard
Bellway Homes have submitted revised plans, so this application will not be heard at the 10th April Area 2 Planning Committee as expected.
Although this is an Outline Application only they have provided a “sketch scheme” to show how the site might now be developed (see below).
The Parish Council’s Planning Committee expect to consider the revised plans this month although the amended scheme does not address our in-principle objections as previously set out:
• it would damage the rural setting, character and approach to the town including Lavenders Road - a designated Quiet Lane
• is on land designated as Green Belt in the emerging Local Plan
• is unnecessary to meet housing need
• the proposed access onto Swan Street would cause congestion and create a traffic hazard
Update 20/03/2019
We still expect the application for housing development at Lavenders Road/Swan Street/Eden Farm site to be heard at the TMBC Area 2 Planning Committee on Wednesday 10th April from 7.30pm at the Kings Hill offices. We do not know what the Council’s planners will recommend and how the Committee members will respond so it will be important to have good representation from the community.
You may be interested to know that a local group has been formed "to protect and enhance the historic market town of West Malling.” You can find Protect West Malling on Facebook [link https://www.facebook.com/groups/374846543066460/]
We still expect the application for housing development at Lavenders Road/Swan Street/Eden Farm site to be heard at the TMBC Area 2 Planning Committee on Wednesday 10th April from 7.30pm at the Kings Hill offices. We do not know what the Council’s planners will recommend and how the Committee members will respond so it will be important to have good representation from the community.
You may be interested to know that a local group has been formed "to protect and enhance the historic market town of West Malling.” You can find Protect West Malling on Facebook [link https://www.facebook.com/groups/374846543066460/]
Update 25/02/2019:
We have recently been advised that the application by Bellway for housing development on the Lavenders Road/Swan Street/Eden Farm site will NOT be heard at the TMBC Area 2 Planning Committee this Wednesday (27th February).
We apologise for the short notice. We now expect the application to be considered at the next scheduled meeting of the committee, on Wednesday 10th April, although we cannot be sure until the agenda is published about a week before. We will endeavour to advise everyone as soon as we know for sure. Thank you.
We have recently been advised that the application by Bellway for housing development on the Lavenders Road/Swan Street/Eden Farm site will NOT be heard at the TMBC Area 2 Planning Committee this Wednesday (27th February).
We apologise for the short notice. We now expect the application to be considered at the next scheduled meeting of the committee, on Wednesday 10th April, although we cannot be sure until the agenda is published about a week before. We will endeavour to advise everyone as soon as we know for sure. Thank you.
Update 15/02/2019:
We still expect the Lavenders Road/Eden Farm application to go to the TMBC Area 2 Planning Committee on Wednesday 27th February.
About a week before the meeting the agenda and papers will be put online, including the planners’ recommendation to refuse or grant permission. You will be able to access details of the meeting here https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=148
It would be good to have as many people as possible at the meeting.
This Sunday (17th February) there will be a photo-opportunity for the Kent Messenger where we can again show the strength of local opposition to this development. Please meet at 11am at the junction of Lavenders Road and Swan Street.
We still expect the Lavenders Road/Eden Farm application to go to the TMBC Area 2 Planning Committee on Wednesday 27th February.
About a week before the meeting the agenda and papers will be put online, including the planners’ recommendation to refuse or grant permission. You will be able to access details of the meeting here https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=148
It would be good to have as many people as possible at the meeting.
This Sunday (17th February) there will be a photo-opportunity for the Kent Messenger where we can again show the strength of local opposition to this development. Please meet at 11am at the junction of Lavenders Road and Swan Street.
Update 25/01/2019:
We have just heard that the Lavenders Road/Eden Farm application will most likely go to the next TMBC Area 2 Planning Committee on Wednesday 27th February.
At this stage we do not know what the planners’ recommendation will be. This will be in the report which should be available online about a week before the meeting, when the agenda and other documents are published. You can check for these here:
https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=148
This page also shows the members of the Committee who will make the decision.
Regardless of whether the planners recommend planning permission is granted or refused, it is important that the community makes clear its views. You can still submit comments if you haven’t yet done so (see 24/09/18 update below for details) and will be entitled to speak at the meeting. The applicants will almost certainly speak in support of their proposal.
Even if you do not wish to speak, it would be good to have as many people as possible at the meeting to show the strength of local opposition to this development.
We have just heard that the Lavenders Road/Eden Farm application will most likely go to the next TMBC Area 2 Planning Committee on Wednesday 27th February.
At this stage we do not know what the planners’ recommendation will be. This will be in the report which should be available online about a week before the meeting, when the agenda and other documents are published. You can check for these here:
https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/mgCommitteeDetails.aspx?ID=148
This page also shows the members of the Committee who will make the decision.
Regardless of whether the planners recommend planning permission is granted or refused, it is important that the community makes clear its views. You can still submit comments if you haven’t yet done so (see 24/09/18 update below for details) and will be entitled to speak at the meeting. The applicants will almost certainly speak in support of their proposal.
Even if you do not wish to speak, it would be good to have as many people as possible at the meeting to show the strength of local opposition to this development.
Update 30/10/2018:
The Parish Council’s Planning Committee met on 23rd October and agreed the Council’s response to this application. In summary our view is that development on this greenfield site will damage the rural character of West Malling. It would harm the setting of the ancient Abbey; disturb the peace of Lavenders Road - a designated ‘Quiet Lane’; and increase the already considerable traffic congestion and hazards on Swan Street.
Additionally, permitting development on this site would undermine the new Local Plan which has been produced following two rounds of public consultation and is shortly to be submitted to the Secretary of State.
Over 120 objections to this application have been lodged on the TMBC planning portal - a demonstration of the strength of local feeling against this proposal and the desire to protect West Malling from further urbanisation.
Development on this site would lead to a loss of “distinctive character” and “sense of place.”
You can read our full response below [PDF download] We would like to thank all those who took the time to register a response with TMBC. Please look out for further updates.
Hear what local people have to say about the proposal to develop this sensitive site:
Update 09/10/2018:
TMBC has informed us that the official deadline for comments on this application is Friday 19th October.
The most important thing you can do if you are concerned about this proposal is to comment on the application via the Council’s online planning page (see link below).
You can also email or write to the Council: Planning, TMBC, Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, Kent ME19 4LZ
TMBC has informed us that the official deadline for comments on this application is Friday 19th October.
The most important thing you can do if you are concerned about this proposal is to comment on the application via the Council’s online planning page (see link below).
You can also email or write to the Council: Planning, TMBC, Gibson Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill, Kent ME19 4LZ
Update 24/09/18:
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has now received an application for this development. West Malling Parish Council will discuss the application at the next meeting of the planning committee (25/09) but will defer a decision on our formal response until the following meeting on 23/10 in order to gather more feedback from the community.
As usual, members of the public are more than welcome at either of these meetings.
Please let us know your views and be sure to make your comments to TMBC either using the online system or via email/letter.
The reference for the application is TM/18/02093/OA and you can make comments online here https://publicaccess2.tmbc.gov.uk/online-applications/
Simply enter the reference without the TM/ prefix
Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has now received an application for this development. West Malling Parish Council will discuss the application at the next meeting of the planning committee (25/09) but will defer a decision on our formal response until the following meeting on 23/10 in order to gather more feedback from the community.
As usual, members of the public are more than welcome at either of these meetings.
Please let us know your views and be sure to make your comments to TMBC either using the online system or via email/letter.
The reference for the application is TM/18/02093/OA and you can make comments online here https://publicaccess2.tmbc.gov.uk/online-applications/
Simply enter the reference without the TM/ prefix
Update 17/8/18
A meeting of those concerned about this proposal was held on Wednesday 15th August. Councillors Richard Byatt and Trudy Dean explained the context of the proposal and the initial response of the parish council (see below). At the time of the meeting 116 responses to the online survey (see link below) had been received, with 90 opposed to development on the site (77.6%) and 26 supporting it (22.4%).
The PC is awaiting an outline application to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council which will be open for public comment for six weeks (minimum). Any application will be considered by the planning committee and our response sent to TMBC. The application may be decided by council planning officers under “delegated authority” or by the area planning committee.
Residents will be encouraged to make representations to the council’s planning team but also to local councillors - contact details here https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0
All those who provided their contact details will be notified when we receive a planning application
Proposed Development - Land East of Lavenders Road, West Malling
Bellway Homes intends to submit an outline planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for the residential redevelopment of land to the east of Lavenders Road, West Malling.
West Malling Parish Council is opposed to development on this land for the following reasons:
A meeting of those concerned about this proposal was held on Wednesday 15th August. Councillors Richard Byatt and Trudy Dean explained the context of the proposal and the initial response of the parish council (see below). At the time of the meeting 116 responses to the online survey (see link below) had been received, with 90 opposed to development on the site (77.6%) and 26 supporting it (22.4%).
The PC is awaiting an outline application to Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council which will be open for public comment for six weeks (minimum). Any application will be considered by the planning committee and our response sent to TMBC. The application may be decided by council planning officers under “delegated authority” or by the area planning committee.
Residents will be encouraged to make representations to the council’s planning team but also to local councillors - contact details here https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/mgMemberIndex.aspx?FN=WARD&VW=LIST&PIC=0
All those who provided their contact details will be notified when we receive a planning application
Proposed Development - Land East of Lavenders Road, West Malling
Bellway Homes intends to submit an outline planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for the residential redevelopment of land to the east of Lavenders Road, West Malling.
West Malling Parish Council is opposed to development on this land for the following reasons:
- it would damage the rural setting, character and approach to the town including Lavenders Road - a designated Quiet Lane
- is on land designated as Green Belt in the emerging Local Plan
- is unnecessary to meet housing need
- the proposed access onto Swan Street would cause congestion and create a traffic hazard
View from Lavenders Road
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View from Station Approach
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View from Swan Street
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You can view Bellway Home’s proposal here http://www.lavendersroad.co.uk/proposal
The proposal is for “up to 90 new homes” with “a new vehicular access off Swan Street”
Be aware that, as explained on the website, “the layout and design is indicative and will be confirmed at a subsequent Reserved Matters stage.” This means that, having secured outline planning permission, the developers could bring forward a different scheme.
When the Parish Council is notified of an outline planning application we will update this information.
If you would like to express a view at this stage please complete our simple poll:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FVL7JP
The proposal is for “up to 90 new homes” with “a new vehicular access off Swan Street”
Be aware that, as explained on the website, “the layout and design is indicative and will be confirmed at a subsequent Reserved Matters stage.” This means that, having secured outline planning permission, the developers could bring forward a different scheme.
When the Parish Council is notified of an outline planning application we will update this information.
If you would like to express a view at this stage please complete our simple poll:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7FVL7JP
20th August 2018