Decision details

To consider the motion, as amended, relating to the over-development of “Inner Maidstone” and for Officers to report back to the next Council meeting on the concerns raised regarding the conversion of houses to multiple occupancy properties.

That due to the existence of policies and work in progress which address the issues raised in the motion relating to over-development of “Inner Maidstone”, it was agreed that there was no requirement for a further report at this time. 

The Council already use draft Planning Policy DM8 in its determination of planning applications where a conversion is proposed from a large property to multiple occupation.  The draft policy includes criteria for changes to the character of the street scene, boundary treatment, and impact on residents and parking.  In addition, Policy DM4 sets out the principles of good design which proposals are expected to meet including, for example, respecting the amenities of occupiers on neighbouring properties and the creation of a safe environment for pedestrian and vehicular movements.

The Council is also looking to produce its own parking standards, and will be looking at those currently used by KCC Highways.  On the back of this, Planning Officers will also look at parking strategies, especially for inner Maidstone and the possibility of traffic regulation orders on certain junctions.

It was noted that as Planning Officers have already been using policies DM4 and DM8 in determining applications relating to conversions of properties to multiple occupancy and the work in progress to address this issue, there is not a need for a further report at this time.