... but Head of Planning "calls in" the application. Swale’s Planning Committee voted UNANIMOUSLY last night to reject the proposal to build 10 houses on agricultural land East of Lynsted Lane. Whilst the application was only for ten homes, the developers made clear in their submission to the Local Plan consultation that their ultimate aim is to build 50 houses on this plot.
It would cause traffic congestion and air pollution in the narrow Lynsted Lane to deteriorate further. Residents who currently park their cars outside their own homes would be forced to park further down the lane on a blind bend. And pedestrian access would be through a busy joinery yard.
The Parish Council would like to thank our ward councillors, Mike Whiting and Lloyd Bowen, for supporting the objections from residents. Thanks also to all the parishioners who wrote in with their comments, spoke up at the site visit and provided photographic evidence.
Around 40 Lynsted residents travelled to Swale House to observe the committee’s deliberations, and many more watched online - demonstrating the strength of opposition to this development.
After the unanimous vote, Swale's head of planning James Freeman decided to "call in” the application. This means a report will be prepared looking at any reasons why the developer might win if they were to appeal and the cost implications for ratepayers if the Council were to lose. This then gets referred back to the planning committee for a final decision.