Issue - meetings

Report DRR00000

An Article 4 Direction for The Drift, Keston was previously authorised by the Renewal, Recreation and Housing Portfolio Holder on 9 June 2015 (Report DRR15/064), but was never implemented.  Further Portfolio Holder approval was therefore sought to proceed with the previous decision.  It was noted that correspondence expressing objections to the proposed Direction was received following publication of the report.  A copy of the correspondence, together with the Planning Officer’s response, had been circulated to Members of the Committee in advance of the meeting.

The Chief Planner advised that removing Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) from this designated Green Belt land would reduce the risk of potential harm to its openness and character.  Removal of PDRs meant that any potential development would be subject to permission via the submission of a planning application.

Visiting Ward Member Councillor Michael reported that the previous request for an Article 4 Direction for the Drift was considered and authorised by the Development Control Committee in 2015.  Unfortunately, the Direction was never implemented. 

The Drift was a substantial piece of land situated within a relatively built-up area.  Whilst no development proposals had emerged over the past few years, there was still a risk to the land should development be proposed in future.  Councillor Michael urged Members to agree that the Article 4 Direction be authorised and issued with immediate effect.

The Chief Planner confirmed that Article 4 Directions focused on possible future development and explained the publicity requirements and limited potential for compensation in response to questions from Committee Members. 

The Planning Enforcement Manager advised that a recent complaint in relation to the replacement of fencing along the boundary had been brought to the Council’s attention which led to the discovery that the previous Article 4 Direction had not been implemented.

Bearing in mind the possible risk to Green Belt land, the Chairman supported the immediate issue of an Article 4 Direction.

RESOLVED that the Renewal, Recreation and Housing Portfolio Holder be recommended to endorse the previous decision to make the Article 4 Direction.