The Strategic Planning Manager presented the report which proposed that the Village Design Statement (VDS)  for Otford which had been prepared by local groups, be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).  It was noted that as required by the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2004 (as amended) Consultation Statements had been prepared for each document.

The Chairman of the Planning Advisory Committee addressed Cabinet.  The Advisory Committee had considered the same report and had agreed to recommend it to Cabinet subject to amending paragraph 3.5, a change in tone of the Forward and the remainder of the document so that it read as an adopted document and therefore was a material consideration, amending the wording in paragraph 1.1 to meet the current policy test, removal of references to buffer zone.

Local Councillor Edwards-Winser tabled some alternative wording for certain sections of the VDS which took some of the Planning Advisory Committee’s recommendations on Board, and had been approved by the Otford Community.  These were amendments to the Foreward, Section 1 and paragraph 3.5.

Members congratulated the Otford Community on the document and applauded them for their hard work.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members noted that consideration had been given to impacts under the Public Sector Equality Duty.

The Chairman moved acceptance subject to the tabled amendments.

Resolved:  That approval be given for the adoption of the Otford Village Design Statement as a Supplementary Planning Document, subject to the amendments agreed and tabled.