From: Paul Carter - KCC
Date: Thu, Jul 3, 2008
To: local resident (name withheld)
PLANNING APPLICATION: SH/08/124 - PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A MATERIALS RECYCLING FACILITY, ANAEROBIC DIGESTION PLANT AND ASSOCIATED OFFICE AND PARKING FACILITIES - OTTERPOOL QUARRY, ASHFORD ROAD, SELLINDGE, ASHFORD
Dear local resident
Thank you for your email to this office received on 15 May 2008 in connection to the response to Mr Keith Ferrin's letter of 30 April 2008 in relation to the above planning application. I apologise for the delay in responding which was due to a need to have a copy of the transcript of the Parish Council meeting you referred to.
I note that your correspondence draws attention to concerns regarding groundwater and pollution risk and the need for the application to have an environmental impact assessment. I have forwarded your concerns to the Head of Planning Applications so that she can ensure that they are addressed when the application is considered by the Planning Applications Committee.
You will be aware from Mr Ferrin's previous letter that officers dealing with the Otterpool Quarry planning application in the Planning Applications Group are still in the process of seeking further clarification in relation to potential water contamination/site drainage matters. Officers also confirmed to local residents who attended the public meeting in Sellindge this week of the need for a number of outstanding matters that need to be fully explored before a decision can be taken on the application. Water pollution and drainage issues are one such issue. I have asked the officers to write to you direct when these details are available.
I also note your comments in respect of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and your view that Mr Ferrin advised the Parish Council that the project required an environmental impact assessment. Having seen a transcript of the meeting held on 1 April, I understand that Mr Ferrin was invited in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste. The purpose of the meeting was initially to discuss traffic issues along the A20 and that the meeting agenda had later been broadened to include the lorry park proposal and the proposed application at Otterpool Quarry.
Having read the minutes of the meeting, Mr Ferrin clearly stated early on in the meeting that he was unaware of the proposed application at Otterpool. He would not therefore have had the benefit of a detailed briefing on this application, nor would he have been unaware that 6 months previously officers had already undertaken a formal screening opinion at the applicant's request in accordance with the EIA Regulations. As is necessary practice, this opinion was formed before the submission of the application and based upon information available at that time. That screening opinion concluded that a formal environmental statement was not required in this case. However in light of issues raised during the planning process and in accordance with EIA requirements, the planning authority will be reviewing whether an EIA is now required. You will however be aware from the earlier correspondence that the level of information provided in the application, is tantamount to the level of information required to be included in a formal EIA.
I trust this clarifies matters. Should you have any further queries in relation to the planning application at Otterpool Quarry, please do not hesitate to contact the Planning Applications Group direct. Yours sincerely,
Paul Carter
Leader of Kent County Council
Date: Thu, Jul 3, 2008
To: local resident (name withheld)
PLANNING APPLICATION: SH/08/124 - PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A MATERIALS RECYCLING FACILITY, ANAEROBIC DIGESTION PLANT AND ASSOCIATED OFFICE AND PARKING FACILITIES - OTTERPOOL QUARRY, ASHFORD ROAD, SELLINDGE, ASHFORD
Dear local resident
Thank you for your email to this office received on 15 May 2008 in connection to the response to Mr Keith Ferrin's letter of 30 April 2008 in relation to the above planning application. I apologise for the delay in responding which was due to a need to have a copy of the transcript of the Parish Council meeting you referred to.
I note that your correspondence draws attention to concerns regarding groundwater and pollution risk and the need for the application to have an environmental impact assessment. I have forwarded your concerns to the Head of Planning Applications so that she can ensure that they are addressed when the application is considered by the Planning Applications Committee.
You will be aware from Mr Ferrin's previous letter that officers dealing with the Otterpool Quarry planning application in the Planning Applications Group are still in the process of seeking further clarification in relation to potential water contamination/site drainage matters. Officers also confirmed to local residents who attended the public meeting in Sellindge this week of the need for a number of outstanding matters that need to be fully explored before a decision can be taken on the application. Water pollution and drainage issues are one such issue. I have asked the officers to write to you direct when these details are available.
I also note your comments in respect of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and your view that Mr Ferrin advised the Parish Council that the project required an environmental impact assessment. Having seen a transcript of the meeting held on 1 April, I understand that Mr Ferrin was invited in his capacity as Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways & Waste. The purpose of the meeting was initially to discuss traffic issues along the A20 and that the meeting agenda had later been broadened to include the lorry park proposal and the proposed application at Otterpool Quarry.
Having read the minutes of the meeting, Mr Ferrin clearly stated early on in the meeting that he was unaware of the proposed application at Otterpool. He would not therefore have had the benefit of a detailed briefing on this application, nor would he have been unaware that 6 months previously officers had already undertaken a formal screening opinion at the applicant's request in accordance with the EIA Regulations. As is necessary practice, this opinion was formed before the submission of the application and based upon information available at that time. That screening opinion concluded that a formal environmental statement was not required in this case. However in light of issues raised during the planning process and in accordance with EIA requirements, the planning authority will be reviewing whether an EIA is now required. You will however be aware from the earlier correspondence that the level of information provided in the application, is tantamount to the level of information required to be included in a formal EIA.
I trust this clarifies matters. Should you have any further queries in relation to the planning application at Otterpool Quarry, please do not hesitate to contact the Planning Applications Group direct. Yours sincerely,
Paul Carter
Leader of Kent County Council
