Plans to build 54 apartments for older people in Smallhythe Road, on land currently occupied by five houses, have been approved by Tenterden Town Council’s planning committee, subject to conditions.
Although the development – which will now go to Ashford Borough Council for determination - was opposed by some councillors, Town Clerk Phil Burgess explained that the developers had significantly modified their earlier plans, and there was now no planning consideration which would have justified the plan being rejected.
The council’s conditions for granting permission were….
- there needs to be additional parking;
- £774,000 allocated in lieu of affordable housing should be allocated specifically to Tenterden;
- there should be an enhanced payment to go towards the upgrading of Smallhythe Road from the development to the junction with the A28 (West Cross);
- we welcome the installation of photovoltaic panels and ask that the highest standards of energy sustainability be applied to the Development in its construction and operation;
- electric charging points should be included for vehicles if not included.
The meeting agreed that the Smallhythe Road apartments had to be considered differently to the Westwell Court planning application rejected last week, as it was not a care home and was on a brownfield site.