Our extension plan breaks no rules

In response to your report (Neighbours Relish Defeat Of ‘Intrusive’ Home Extension, KE August 28) on our planning application 14/00630/AS.

Throughout, our agent has been in contact with the Ashford Borough Council planning team considering concerns raised, resulting in a number of amendments to accommodate the objections.

Our application for a modest extension is fully compliant with council policy and supported by the planning department. We are disappointed and confused why the professional guidance of the planning department was ignored by the planning committee.

Off-street parking was a matter of much debate, although we have the support of the highways department, Cllr Tina Heyes claimed to have difficulty in parking.

Living in the close for 15 years we find this hard to believe, parking is rarely if ever a problem.

Furthermore our application provides for more parking than is required.

With regard to being intrusive, overshadowing and not in keeping with the street scene. The planning officer’s report does not agree with this and states: “The extension would be in compliance with the councils adopted supplementary planning guidance (SPG10)”

We question the judgement of our ward representative Cllr Heyes. Her statement contained unnecessary personal remarks and was almost word for word the same as resident Joshua High, who spoke at the meeting.

Surely it is a councillor’s civic duty to do their utmost to mediate and resolve matters of dispute rather than side and fuel a contentious issue.

There have been three applications passed on Park Farm for extensions with carports, a fact which has escaped Cllr Jim Wedgebury.

In addition Cllr Heyes said that our application ranked second to Chilmington Green in popularity, another incorrect statement.

This said we are hopeful of finding a resolution and give our children the bedroom of their own that they have been looking forward to. Julian Ralph, Conker Close, Kingsnorth

The candidate then applies for the job stating salary and perks required, and the selection panel appoints the person best qualified to do the job for the lowest wages.

Simples!! L D Goddard, Lower Queens Road,Ashford