23/0410/FH – Land at Broad Street, Lyminge Revised proposal for a total of 45 Dwellings

Published: 29 August 2023

Our comments dated 2 June 2023 still stand as an objection in principle.

It is estimated that almost 400 people have attended public meetings, and the extent of objections posted on the Public Register clearly demonstrate the depth of feeling among residents to any increase from the approved scheme for the allocated number of dwellings of 30, ref 20/1397/FH.

We support and endorse all the objections that have been submitted by residents.

The Parish Council is always ready to speak to the applicant, on behalf of the residents, but discussion with the applicant was unilaterally terminated prior to the deadline for comments (although an offer has been made to meet after the deadline, but before the likely date for a committee meeting).

It has to be said that the increase from the allocated (and permitted under 20/1397/FH) number of 30 dwellings to 45 is unacceptable in principle to residents. This objection is based on the lack of supporting evidence as would have been put forward in the adoption of the Local Plan allocation, when it was found to be ‘sound’ by HM Inspectorate, illustrating how local services and infrastructure can support this increase. This increase of 50% means that all concerns previously expressed are increased by a corresponding 50%

Other comments put forward by residents include:

The 50% increase in traffic movements to and from the site, and the attendant increase in pollution, subsequent decrease in air quality

The greater exposure to safety of pedestrians already using footpath links from the south, and in to the village.

The impact on local services, such as School and Doctors Surgeries, increased by 50%.

In design terms, we note that the AONB Planning Manager’s concerns have been addressed by the occasional ‘window dressing’, of hipped roofs and the addition of chimneys (will these chimneys be real, in other words, are open fires or wood burning stoves proposed?)

The design is still ‘lacklustre and does not embrace ‘Kent Design’ and the AONB Design handbook, to achieve ‘local distinctiveness’, nor does it embrace ‘contemporary’ design, sustainability principles, such as renewables, solar pv, heat pumps, rainwater harvesting, and other measures aiming for ‘Zero Carbon’. We note that Otterpool plc have commissioned a Design Code for the latest development proposal that will be witnessed in the district, so why not subject this proposal to the same Design Code? – see:

https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ah0uqWV_pEdRhYFrWxvhfF6ki4IsNQ?e=tg1Fct

https://1drv.ms/b/s!Ah0uqWV_pEdRhYFzxgvCIh0te1bCTA?e=Os16bQ

Otterpool Park Colour Guidance Rev3.pdf

Previous concerns relating to very small gardens, and ‘FOG’ units still apply – such living units are not appropriate for ‘edge of village’ low density developments..... AND we note that KHS object to the proposed ‘Parking Courtyards’. Better replace these units with conventional family houses with decent gardens.

Positive outcomes for the community are recognised as stated previously, but they are still no compensation, and do not justify an over-intensive and sub-standard development.

We welcome the creation of a public footpath/bridleway along the abandoned Elham Valley Railway line, and would like to see the exploration of this by KCC (and others) as a condition of any consent that may be forthcoming.

We would like to see obligations built into any consent that may be forthcoming, to include the detour in the public footpath HE59 around Broad Street House, and the reinstatement of the ‘Furminger’ memorial bench (in storage), with suitable landscaping and waste bin at the junction with the existing footpath.

We would like to see the provision of suitable bus shelter(s) at Mayfield Road and New Barn.

We would like appropriate interpretation boards reflecting what is now known about the archaeology of the site, to complement those already in place in other parts of the village, recognising the immensely important Anglo-Saxon Heritage of the settlement.

We would welcome a contribution towards the creation of a bio-diversity pond at the northern attenuation pond, and towards the creation of a ‘sensory garden’ on the land that is to be conveyanced to the adjacent Doctors’ Surgery.

We seek assurance that the Canterbury Road WILL NOT be closed under any circumstances (having now been told that lane closures can be expected between 2 and 29 September 2023 for the creation of gas main connection)

The Village Gateway should be moved south to around the Broad Street House and Cottages area, and before the slow left-hand bend.

We would like to see the Landscape buffer shown south of the application site included in Planning Obligations and planted in advance of the development.

In summary, Lyminge Parish Council would welcome a rethink of this proposal, in favour of a smaller number of ‘Eco Houses’, designed as a true ‘first’ for the District, and flagship exemplar on which subsequent developments (such as Otterpool) could be modelled....