The KCC Planning Committee were recently called upon to debate and give approval to the discharging of two of the outstanding conditions which were attached to the planning consent of Countrystyle to build an anaerobic Digester and MRF waste site at Otterpool Quarry. This was unusual in as much as the planning officers already have the power to decide upon such issues given that both of these conditions relate to the Weighbridge and Landscaping. As far as we could see, there was no real issue with the weighbridge, but the Landscaping scheme was an entirely different issue. Taken in isolation, it would be difficult to find fault with the scheme, but lay it over the Surface Water drainage scheme and the problems are glaring.
S&DRA's position has always been to take a holistic approach when viewing drawings and submissions pertaining to the Otterpool site.
Fortunately, the majority of the Planning committee members have also taken this stance after hearing from our speakers, Graham Horner, representing CPRE, Bob Edden, Co chairman of S&DRA and our County Councillor, Susan Carey. A representative from Countrystyle spoke of how the submissions made to KCC were detailed and robust but also noted that the attempt to discharge the conditions had been delayed due to contractual delays in acquiring feedstock from various Councils. This, of course is not a material planning consideration.
After hearing from Mike Clifton, (Planning Officer), the debate was started by Councillor Ian Chittenden who set the theme for the rest of the morning. We were pleased to hear that the comments were well thought through, measured and above all sensible, offering consideration to the Surface Water Drainage scheme which in effect totally conflict with the Landscape scheme.
There was also mention of the Badger setts which are situated on the southern bank of the site. Far from being considered, it would appear that all the setts would be destroyed to make way for the drainage scheme.
Other Councillors to offer support to the notion that the Landscape scheme be considered alongside 'Drainage' included Mike Baldock, Matthew Balfour, Pam Brivio, Peter Harman, Trever Shonk and last but not least Jim Wedgebury, who was firmly of the opinion that matters left to the last minute are usually rushed through with no real deserved consideration.
After a short break and further debate a proposal was set before the Committee to 'Discharge the Weighbridge condition but to defer the Landscape condition until such time that Surface Water and Ground Contamination submissions are before the committee'. Councillor Chittenden was the last to speak with a question directed to Sharon Thompson (Head of Planning) asking for confirmation that the Landscaping issues will be heard alongside 'drainage' and 'ground contamination'. A very firm 'YES' was the reply. A vote was taken and was carried ten votes to one.
Needless to say we were delighted with the outcome. We await to see the submissions relating to 'drainage' and 'contamination' from statutory consultees, the Environment Agency.
It was good to see Sally Edwards of Lympne Parish Council and Donald Broad, Chairman of Monks Horton Parish Meeting in attendance. Your continued support is always appreciated.
Les Barratt, Co-Chairman, S&DRA.
