Heathlands Garden Settlement SPD

Object

Representation ID: 423

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

I do not think the problems in the Lenham plan highlighted by the inspector have been addressed and so this document therefore is no further on and it’s too early in the process

Objection noted.
No specific problems are identified within the comment.
Policy LPRSP4(A) of the Local Plan Review requires the preparation of the SPD together with a Landscape Strategy and Transport Assessment which have been produced.
The SPD sets out a range of principles & guidelines, infrastructure and phasing requirements and Officers consider this provides an appropriate level of detail at this stage in the planning process.
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.

Object

Representation ID: 642

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

The planned drainage appears to go straight into the Stour. This is a high pollution risk and one you have to pay for as the Stour is protected. Waste water is also a worry as sewage works now at capacity and no concrete data for a new one

Objection noted.
The SPD sets out principles and guidelines relating to 'Blue Infrastructure' (6.3) including the need to fully consider issues related to flooding, drainage, flood risk and pollution.
Appendix C of the SPD sets out the requirement for additional flood risk assessment work to accompany future planning applications.

Object

Representation ID: 643

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

If the pictures are anything to go by the buildings will not fit in with existing dwellings. Its so airy fairy to say things like "vibrant community" "enterprise hub" "inclusive living" with on back up - no one can be sure it will be any of those things.

Objection noted.
The SPD sets out principles and guidelines relating to 'Placemaking, Density & Character' (6.4) to achieve a high quality place and Chapter 10 of the SPD sets out the approach to Design Coding to secure quality. The Design Code will need to consider the appropriate approach to architectural features and styles for all types of buildings, which is too detailed for the SPD itself.

Object

Representation ID: 644

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

Access and movement - 5000 homes = 10,000 cars at least. No improvement to A20 planned - when M20 shuts we are marooned with A20 at a standstill. The bus loop is a bit useless only providing journeys from Charing to Lenham and back.

Objection noted.
The SPD takes forward the requirements of Policy LPRSP4(A) of the Local Plan Review which established the necessary scope of infrastructure, and Section 6.11 sets out principles and guidelines including relating to improving public transport, assessing and mitigating impacts across the local and strategic road layout.
The SPD sets out additional guidance on the approach to transport assessment and mitigation (Chapter 8) as has been agreed between Maidstone Borough Council, Kent County Council and National Highways.
The detailed design of transport mitigation measures will need to be set out as part of the formulation and consideration of future planning applications.

Object

Representation ID: 645

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

As a majority of houses will have cars why have 'mobility hubs' Plan for A20 improvements from J8 to J9 of M20. Best idea just don't build Heathlands at all.

Objection noted.
The SPD sets out principles and guidelines relating to 'Movement & Connectivity' (6.11) to promote active travel and to establish sustainable travel principles from the outset.
The overall strategy and approach to future development across the Maidstone Borough area has been established by the Local Plan Review which was adopted by the Council in March 2024, following a robust process of debate and scrutiny via an independent ‘Examination in Public’.
The preparation of an SPD for the site is a requirement of adopted Policy LPRSP4(A).

Object

Representation ID: 646

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

You have stated that there will be phased building thus our village being blighted for decades. And residents having to look at a building site and not the rural views they have now

Objection noted.

Object

Representation ID: 647

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

The tree barriers will only work in summer (if then) evergreens might be bear. There are some taller buildings in your illustrations - hard to hide from the North Downs

Objection noted.
The SPD captures 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.
The SPD includes chapters that set out principles and guidelines relating to 'Placemaking, Density & Character' (6.4) to achieve a high quality place and Chapter 10 of the SPD sets out the approach to approach to Design Coding to securing quality and which will need to consider the appropriate approach to landscape, open space and planting, which is too detailed for the SPD itself.

Object

Representation ID: 648

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

Waste water is a worry - no set date or plans for waste water. There are many springs along the bottom of these chalk downs. Where is the drinking water coming from

Objection noted.
The SPD takes forward the requirements of Policy LPRSP4(A) of the Local Plan Review which established the necessary scope of infrastructure for the Heathlands site, including the need for new/improved wastewater treatment as part of Phase 1, as set out in Figure 19.
It is the responsibility of the relevant utility providers to ensure that future development is provided with safe, reliable water for domestic and commercial use, as per statutory obligations and relevant legislation.

Object

Representation ID: 649

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

N/A

Objection noted.

Object

Representation ID: 650

Received: 12/12/2025

Respondent: Mrs Sarah King

This site is surrounded by sand quarries several old ones, one shutting down and another to start some time in the next 10 or so years I believe. Are you intending to re-fill them?

Objection noted.
The SPD sets out within the principles and guidelines under Minerals (6.4) that the phasing and delivery of the Garden Settlement must consider matters related to the restoration of areas subject to minerals extraction, and that such land will be made suitable for the Heathlands development and optimise potential gains for landscape and biodiversity, The specific role and function of such land, and whether this should take the form of new water features will be subject to the preparation of future planning applications.
The approach to minerals will also need to reflect wider policy and guidance as set out in the latest Minerals and Waste Local Plan produced and adopted by Kent County Council.