Visitors and members of the public who are unfamiliar with the building and procedures are advised that:

(a)      The fire alarm is a continuous loud ringing. In the event that a fire drill is planned during the meeting, the Chair will advise of this.

(b)      Exit routes from the chamber are located on each side of the room, one directly to a fire escape, the other to the stairs opposite the lifts.

(c)      In the event of the alarm sounding, leave the building via the nearest safe exit and gather at the assembly point on the far side of the car park. Do not leave the assembly point or re-enter the building until advised to do so. Do not use the lifts.

(d)      Anyone unable to use the stairs should make themselves known during this agenda item.

The Chairman outlined the emergency evacuation procedure.

There are no Minutes to consider.

There were no minutes to consider.

Councillors should not act or take decisions in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their families or friends.

The Chair will ask Members if they have any disclosable pecuniary interests (DPIs) or disclosable non-pecuniary interests (DNPIs) to declare in respect of items on the agenda. Members with a DPI in an item must leave the room for that item and may not participate in the debate or vote. 

Aside from disclosable interests, where a fair-minded and informed observer would think there was a real possibility that a Member might be biased or predetermined on an item, the Member should declare this and leave the room while that item is considered.

Members who are in any doubt about interests, bias or predetermination should contact the monitoring officer for advice prior to the meeting.

No interests were declared.

Tabled update published 18.06.26.

PART 1

Any other reports to be considered in the public session

The Planning Manager introduced the report and advised that a tabled update had been circulated correcting minor inaccuracies in data; these did not affect the overall conclusions of the report.

The Chairman reminded Members that the item had been discussed at a previous meeting.

A visiting Member spoke on the item and welcomed the proposal and referred to the concentration of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) and their impact on services, particularly in Sheerness.  Another visiting Member spoke in support of a borough-wide immediate Article 4 Direction.

The Chairman invited comments from Members, and points raised included:

·         Highlighted concerns regarding the supply of one-bedroom properties and the increase in HMOs within the Borough;

·         concerned that a targeted approach would displace HMOs into other areas;

·         support for a borough-wide approach to ensure consistency; and

·         recognition of the need to strengthen planning control over HMOs.

Councillor Hunt moved the following motion:  That an immediate Article 4 Direction be made on a borough-wide basis.  This was seconded by the Chairman and agreed by Members.

Following a request by the Head of Place, the following amendment was proposed and seconded:  That the Head of Place and/or Head of Legal be given delegated authority to take all steps required to make the Direction.  Following discussion about the desire to make the Direction in the quickest possible timeframe, this was agreed by Members.

Members also requested an update at Committee if the Direction had not been made within four months.

Resolved:  That an immediate Article 4(1) Direction be made on a borough-wide basis, and that delegated authority be given to the Head of Place and/or Head of Legal to take all necessary steps to make the Direction.

The Planning Manager introduced the application as set out in the report. 

The Chairman moved the officer recommendation to grant planning permission as per the recommendation in the report, and this was seconded by Councillor Elliott Jayes.

The Ward Member, also a member of the Planning Committee, raised no objection.

Resolved:  That application 26/501729/FULL be granted as per the recommendation in the report.

Decisions by County Council and Secretary of State, reported for information.

• Item 5.1 – 25/502388/FULL Crockham Farmhouse, Crockham Lane, Hernhill, Kent ME13 9LB PINS Decision: DISMISSED Committee or Officer Decision : REFUSED

The Chairman commented on the usefulness of the inspector’s comments in informing future decision-making.

• Item 5.2 – 23/500931/FULL 25-25A West Street, Sittingbourne ME10 1AL PINS Decision: DISMISSED Committee or Officer Decision : COMMITTEE DECISION

A Member welcomed the decision.