Planning and Transport — 20 July 2026
Meeting Minutes:
| Meeting Date: | Monday 20 Jul 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 19:30 |
| Councillors | Jon Aldridge Chairman, Angela Baker, Michael Gemmell Smith, Alan Layland, Margot McArthur, Stuart McGregor, Vince Parker, Angela Read Vice-Chairwoman, Michael Stockdale, Jeff Streets, Bob Todd. |
| Committee: | Planning and Transport |
| Venue: | Rickards Hall. 72a High Street Edenbridge, TN8 5AR Kent |
| Notes: | |
| Summary: |
Agenda
Minutes
Apologies were received and accepted from Cllr Aldridge, Cllr Baker, Cllr M Gemmell Smith, Cllr A Layland, Cllr V Parker and Cllr M Stockdale.
Meeting closed at 19.30.
There were no public questions.
Meeting opened at 19.30
Resolved: The minutes of the Planning Committee held on 29 June 2026 be duly signed by the Committee Chairman as a true and accurate record of the meeting held on 29th June; (pages 2023-143/1-4).
Recommendation: Members objected to this application and commented that illuminated signs are prohibited in the Conservation Area and this sign would be out of keeping with the street scene.
Recommendation: Members supported this application but commented that the property is in the Conservation Area and the solar panels are at the rear of the property on the roof of a 1960's extension.
Recommendation: Members supported this application subject to the Highways Officer's approval.
Recommendation: Members supported this application.
Recommendation: Members supported this application.
Recommendation: Members supported this application subject to the Conservation Officer and the Tree Officer’s recommendation(s).
Recommendation: Members objected to this application and commented:
- There are no special circumstances for building in the greenbelt.
- This application would have an impact on the appearance of the greenbelt.
- The site is is the Conservation Area.
- This would be overdevelopment in the greenbelt.
- The application conflicts with the Council’s spatial strategy focusing development within settlement confines (Local Plan Policies LO1/LO7).
- There is no provision for biodiversity net gain.
- A sustainable drainage system must be provided at the detailed stage.
- The footpath on to Mill Hill would cause highways safety concerns and there is no continuous footpath.
Noted - Councillors will submit individual responses.
Members noted the Local Plan Update and have been contacting Cllr Baker to advise the dates and times they can attend the drop-in sessions.
The Regulation 19 consultation is the final opportunity for residents and organisations to submit representations before the Local Plan is submitted for independent examination. The consultation differs from the previous Regulation 18 stage, as representations should address the statutory planning tests that will be considered by the Planning Inspector.
SDC intends to submit the Local Plan and all duly made representations to the Planning Inspectorate by 31 December 2026 for independent examination.
The Town Council’s public information sessions were confirmed:
- Thursday 30 July - 9.00am to 11.00 am at the Thursday Market (Bridges 11.00am to 12.00 noon).
Rickards Hall dates:
- Thursday 6th August – 12 noon to 2.00 pm
- Thursday 27th August – 12 noon to 2.00 pm
- Wednesday 2 September – 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm
Households across the TN8 5 and TN8 6 postcode areas have had a leaflet with the drop-in sessions details delivered to them. Details will also be included in the Council's September newsletter and published on the Town Council's website.
Council Matters Considered Under Delegated Authority
Members noted the closure period of the public toilets.
None.