The Ashford Borough Council Planning Committee met on 20 August 2025 to discuss several planning applications and procedural items. The meeting included discussion of planning applications for residential and commercial properties, as well as the scheme for public participation. Councillor Diccon Spain, Deputy Leader of the Labour Group, was scheduled to chair the meeting.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to discuss three planning applications:

Bell House, Bells Lane, Tenterden

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a change of use and conversion of commercial office premises at Bell House, Bells Lane, Tenterden, TN30 6ES, into a one-bedroom live/work residential dwelling. The application included changes to fenestration, the addition of a flue, solar panels, and an EV charger.

The applicant, Mr & Mrs Justin & Anne Nelson, stated that the site was unsuitable for continued employment use due to Mrs. Nelson's mobility issues and a decline in demand for office space. They also stated that they intend to continue working from Bell House and have strong community ties.

The application was brought to the Planning Committee at the request of an unnamed Ward Member, Councillor Smith.

Tenterden Town Council supported the application. One letter of objection was received from a neighbour, raising concerns about parking and access.

The report pack stated that planning officers considered the proposal to be contrary to policies SP1, SP3, HOU3a & EMP2 of the Ashford Local Plan 2030, policy TEN NP9 of the Tenterden Neighbourhood Plan 2024, and the National Planning Policy Framework 2024. The report stated that the applicant had not demonstrated that the site was no longer appropriate for employment use, nor had they provided evidence of active marketing of the site. The report stated that the proposal would adversely impact upon employment provision within the town and reduce opportunities for job retention/creation.

The report pack stated that officers recommended that the application be refused.

2 Orpins Close, Brabourne, Ashford

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the formation of a new driveway at 2 Orpins Close, Brabourne, Ashford, TN25 6PT.

The application was brought to the Planning Committee at the request of Councillor Simon Betty, Cabinet Member for Commercial Property & Investment.

Brabourne Parish Council objected to the application, raising concerns regarding highways safety and the impact on the character of the area. Six letters of objection were received from neighbours, raising concerns about highway and pedestrian safety, the character of the area, and increased wear and tear and flooding.

The report pack stated that planning officers considered that the proposed creation of an area of hardstanding for the purpose of vehicular parking would be acceptable as it would not cause harm to the character and appearance of the street scene, residential amenity or highway safety.

The report pack stated that officers recommended that the application be permitted, subject to conditions.

59 Upper Queens Road, Ashford

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for a single-storey side and rear extension at 59 Upper Queens Road, Ashford, TN24 8HL, following the demolition of the existing rear extension and garage.

The application was brought to the Planning Committee because the applicant, Mrs M Roberts, is a council employee.

Six neighbours were consulted, but no comments were received.

The report pack stated that planning officers considered that the proposed extensions were acceptable and would not cause harm to the character and appearance of the area, the residential amenity of the neighbouring occupants or the highway safety of the site and the surrounding road network.

The report pack stated that officers recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions.

Public Participation

The committee was scheduled to be informed of the arrangements for public participation in the meeting. According to the agenda, those wishing to speak at the meeting were required to give written notice by 15:00 hours on the second working day before the meeting, either to democraticservices@ashford.gov.uk or via the council's website.

Registered speakers could either make a speech in person or submit a speech to be read on their behalf by a council officer. Speakers present in person were to be allowed a maximum of 3 minutes to speak, and submitted speeches were to be no longer than 400 words.

The agenda stated that:

An Officer reading any speech on behalf of any speaker shall have discretion to omit/edit out any inappropriate language, information or statements.

Declarations of Interest

The committee was scheduled to declare any interests falling under the following categories: Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Significant Interests, and Voluntary Announcements of Other interests. The Agenda Item 2 document provided advice to members on declarations of interest, including references to government guidance and the Kent Code of Conduct¹.