Ahead of Wednesday's TMBC planning committee, please see my below statement on the Ivy Farm planning application:
Throughout my time as a Member of Parliament, overdevelopment has been a persistent issue raised by constituents, and I have fought hard to protect our precious green spaces from inappropriate housing developments. This includes writing to TMBC planning department and committee to express my concerns with the Ivy Farm application (TM/22/01570/OA).
I was pleased that this application was deferred to enable a Conservation and further Case Officer report to be prepared. This was in order to assess the impact of the proposed development on the East Malling Conservation Area and surrounding listed buildings. You can see the published report here: https://democracy.tmbc.gov.uk/.../Report%20of%20Director...
I remain very worried, however, about the prospect of a raised access road in this plan. It will undermine the privacy of local residents and increase safety concerns arising from additional traffic on this part of the Wateringbury Road. I am also concerned that these extra homes will place further strain on local infrastructure, such as school places and access to GPs. I encourage all residents to contact their local councillor to raise their views.
