Kentish Express Ashford & District
New homes approved despite fears
A road is set to be extended by 22 homes after the development was approved following a heated council debate.
A field at the end of Farley Close in Shadoxhurst will be developed following an Ashford Borough Council decision on Wednesday last week.
Having previously been refused by the planning committee in June 2018, it follows a largely successful appeal by applicant Wedgewood Homes.
Nearby resident Karen Farnell made a speech during the meeting questioning the density and distance from amenities, as well as a lack of jobs in the village and its surroundings.
She feared that the development could lead to increased traffic issues, flooding and electric outages.
Cllr George Sparkes concurred with these points, and proposed a motion to refuse the development.
The density of the scheme was also raised by ward member Cllr David Ledger, who said: “The council’s consistent approach is to have lower densities in the village and 22 dwellings per hectare doesn’t fit that approach.
“As we’ve heard, officers have negotiated down the numbers in King’s Close and Chequers Green.”
Density was the main argument to refuse, with many other councillors expressing concerns including Cllrs Diccon Spain (Lab), Matthew Forrest (Con) and Noel Ovenden (Ash Ind).
Cllr Paul Clokie (Con) had previously seconded the bid to refuse on the grounds of density and affordable housing but rescinded it after planning officer Rob Bewick worked out the rest of Farley Close actually had a slightly higher density.
A number of councillors were appeased by the clarification.
Cllr Ovenden still seconded the motion to refuse, also emphasising the need to drive to access any shops or amenities.
The distance to the nearest shop was calculated at 1.7km by Cllr Spain, which he claimed breached housing policy of 800-metres maximum
Having been very slightly amended following appeal, the new proposal comes at a time when Ashford’s housing supply is below its five-year requirement.
This proved the major sticking point, with ABC’s development management manager Lucy Holloway saying reasons for refusal would need to be stronger than ever to argue against an appeal.
The distance to shops fell under this need to be more lenient to proposed housing projects, she added.
Earlier in the meeting, Cllr Neil Shorter (Con) had recognised how the changes made by the applicant had addressed the original reasons for refusal. He motioned to approve the scheme.
As a vote was about to be taken, Cllr Jessamy Blanford (Con) seconded the motion to grant permission.
A vote revealed a split of six votes to eight, with the Farley Close development being approved.