Lidsing Garden Community SPD

Comment

Representation ID: 349

Received: 10/12/2025

Respondent: Kent Downs National Landscape

It is considered that it would be beneficial for the SPD to include a master plan for the proposed new settlement along with Design Codes at this stage.
We have concerns that the SPD fails to include any reference to lighting.
Maidstone Borough Council, as a relevant authority, will need to ensure adherence to the amended statutory Protected Landscapes duty set out at S85A of the Countryside and Wildlife Act in the drafting of the SPD as well as in consideration of future planning applications.

Comment noted.
The Framework Plans capture the key structuring elements and principles, whilst also allowing for appropriate flexibility for further design work to consider matters in more detail and bring forward appropriate proposals.
It will be for future planning applications to set out more details around the proposed layout of buildings, uses and infrastructure across the site.
All future applications will be the subject of consultation and future decision making.
Officers agree that the principles should acknowledge wider issues including lighting.

Object

Representation ID: 350

Received: 10/12/2025

Respondent: Kent Downs National Landscape

There is no reference within the Objectives to the site’s relationship with the KDNL, both within the KDNL and partially within its setting, and the need to ensure that development proposals respect this.

Objection noted.
The Vision is replicated from the Local Plan Review.
Officers agree that the relationship to KDNL should be acknowledged within the objectives.

Comment

Representation ID: 351

Received: 10/12/2025

Respondent: Kent Downs National Landscape

There is no reference within the Objectives to the site’s relationship with the KDNL, both within the KDNL and partially within its setting, and the need to ensure that development proposals respect this

Comment Noted.
As per the response to Q4.

Comment

Representation ID: 352

Received: 10/12/2025

Respondent: Kent Downs National Landscape

We have concerns that further clarity is required in respect of mitigating landscaping for the KDNL.

Comment noted.
The Framework Plans and associated commentary provide an overview, and allow for appropriate flexibility for further design work to consider matters in more detail and bring forward appropriate proposals
Officers agree that Figure 25 should be amended to better acknowledge the KDNL and need to restrict building heights to 9m in the parts of the site.
The SPD sets out principles and guidelines relating to 'Green Infrastructure & Landscape' (Chapter 6.2).
Officers agree that a number of amendments should be made to provide additional clarity on several aspects.
Future planning applications will set out more details around the proposed layout of buildings, uses and infrastructure across the site. All future applications will be the subject of consultation and future decision making.