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.

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.

Councillor Kieran Golding declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was a member of the Faversham Society and Faversham Community Land Trust.

Councillor Karen Watson declared a non-pecuniary interest as she was a member of the Faversham Society.

Councillor Ben Martin disclosed that he has had meetings with various people including supporters, objectors and  the applicant in line with the Member protocol and Code of Conduct. He also declared a non-pecuniary interest as he was a member of the Faversham Community Land Trust. In addition, as a member of  Faversham Town Council he had not taken part in any discussions or decisions pertaining to this application.

Councillor Claire Martin disclosed that she has had meetings with various people including supporters, objectors and  the applicant in line with the Member protocol and Code of Conduct. She also declared a non-pecuniary interest as she was a member of the Faversham Community Land Trust. In addition, as a member of  Faversham Town Council she had not taken part in any discussions or decisions pertaining to this application.

Tabled papers (1, 2, and 3) added 10:40am 10 March 2026.

Tabled paper 4 added 11:40am 10 March 2026

Tabled Paper 5 added 3:35pm 10 March 2026

The Team Leader (Planning Applications) introduced the application as set out in the report and related updates. In terms of those updates that required specific additions / amendments to Heads of Terms, the Team Leader (Planning Applications) set out the following:

-       Sought delegation to secure a financial contribution of £50,000 related to the expansion of Faversham Railway Station car park;

-       sought delegation for the NHS primary healthcare contribution to reflect the wording as set out in the second tabled update;

-       sought delegation to agree the financial cap for delivery of the railway bridge between the relevant parties (i.e. Swale Borough Council (SBC) Officers, Network Rail, the developer).

Parish Councillor Sarah Moakes, representing Boughton under Blean Parish Council, spoke against the application.

Parish Councillor Jonnie Reeves, representing Selling Parish Council, spoke against the application.

Harold Goodwin, a Supporter, spoke in support of the application.

Jeff Tutt, an Objector, spoke against the application.

Roger Hepher, the Agent for the application, spoke in support of the application.

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

Visiting Ward Members spoke regarding the application. 

The Chairman invited Members to ask questions and make comments, and these included:

• How many homes could realistically be built per year on a site of this scale, with one Member estimating a 25‑year build‑out?;
• queried estimated vehicle movements for 2,500 dwellings and whether daily flows could reach around 11,250 movements;
• raised concerns about future congestion, including the adequacy of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 794.