Agenda item

REFUSED

Description of development - Variation of conditions 1,12 and 13 of 00/02071 and condition 1 of 08/03444 to allow extraction of Thanet Sand, restoration and recontouring with inert waste and associated access, buildings and structure to continue/ remain until 14th January 2018.

  Oral representations in support of the application were received at the meeting.

Members having considered the report, objections and representations, RESOLVED that PERMISSION BE REFUSED for the following reasons:-

1.  The unauthorised activities which have continued at the site and the unsightly visual impact of the operations on the openness of the Green Belt and the character of the area and amenities of local residents in general, the proposed extension of time for the extraction of minerals until 2018 is considered to be inappropriate development in the Green Belt as the high environmental standards and minimal impact of the process required by PPG2 - Green Belts and UDP Policy G15 are not being met at the site and the Council does not consider that the necessary standards are likely to be met in the future. The proposal is therefore contrary to Unitary Development Plan Policy G15 and PPG2 - Green Belts

2.  There is sufficient doubt that the extraction of Thanet Sand is economically viable and that the extracted material is of suitable quality and the continuation of mineral extraction would result in ongoing visual harm to the openness and character of the Green Belt and further harm to the amenities of nearby residentscontrary to Policy G14 of the Unitary Development Plan.