The Gravesham Borough Council Planning Committee met on Wednesday 24 September 2025 to discuss planning applications. The committee approved an application for land south of Pear Tree Lane, and also noted the withdrawal of an application for the Premier Inn on Hever Court Road.

Here's a breakdown of the key items discussed:

Land South of Pear Tree Lane, Shorne

The committee approved the planning application for the change of use of land south of Pear Tree Lane, Shorne for the stationing of two static homes, two touring caravans, and a shared day room for Gypsy/Traveller occupation, including associated landscaping. This decision reaffirmed the committee's previous resolution from 11 June 2025, with additional consideration given to a Preliminary Ecological Appraisal submitted by the applicant's agent, Mr Simon McKay.

The Head of Planning clarified that the application was brought back to the committee because of a Councillor call-in and to consider the additional ecological information. The Senior Planner reminded members that concerns about ecology had been raised during the previous meeting and by the agent, who cited a potential judicial review due to the lack of an ecology report.

The Head of Planning confirmed that the Preliminary Ecological Study did not raise any new ecological concerns and that the required mitigation was already addressed in the conditions set out in the initial report.

During the discussion, committee members raised questions about:

• The length of time caravans would be present on the site if the occupants chose to leave.
• The size of the caravans permitted.
• The reasons for the Councillor call-in.

Speakers Susan Lindley, Shorne Parish Councillor, and Robin Theobald, Chair of the Dickens Country Protection Society and Shorne Parish Councillor, spoke against the application, while Mr McKay spoke in favour.

Following the discussion, the committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to the conditions outlined in the report.

Premier Inn, Hever Court Road, Gravesend

The committee noted that the application for the Premier Inn on Hever Court Road, Gravesend had been withdrawn from the agenda by the applicant. The application, number 20241069, concerned a request for:

A change of use from a C1- Hotel to Sui Generis, and the erection of a two storey side extension with associated internal works to create an HMO (Housing in Multiple Occupation) for 46 persons.

Delegated Powers

The committee noted the schedule of planning applications determined under delegated powers by the Director (Environment), which had been published on the council's website.