Land Adjacent to Stone Hall, Stone Street, Stelling Minnis, Canterbury, CT4 6DD

Application Details

Applicant & Agent

Planning Application Dates

Planning Decision

Why it was refused

1. 1.The proposed access would provide only approximately 76 metres of visibility to the north, substantially below the 203 metres required for the prevailing 60 mph speed limit. Furthermore, no acceptable and enforceable physical measures have been demonstrated to prevent vehicles exiting via the existing northern access. The proposal therefore fails to demonstrate that the access arrangements would operate safely and would result in an unacceptable risk to highway safety, contrary to Policy HB1 of the Places and Policies Local Plan Policy TR6 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2026).
2. 2.The proposal would involve the removal and repositioning of a substantial length of mature roadside hedgerow which contributes positively to the enclosed rural character of Stone Street. As a result, the development would interrupt the continuity of the existing vegetated frontage and cause harm to the character and appearance of the area and the Kent Downs National Landscape. The proposal therefore conflicts with Policies HB1 and NE3 of the Places and Policies Local Plan (2020).
3. 3.The proposal fails to provide adequate information to demonstrate how Folkestone & Hythe District Council Civic Centre, Castle Hill Avenue, Folkestone, Kent CT20 2QY existing trees within and adjoining the application site would be safeguarded and protected from the development. These trees contribute significantly to the character, visual amenity and ecological value of the area. In the absence of a satisfactory Arboricultural Impact Assessment and Tree Protection Plan, prepared in accordance with BS5837:2012, the application fails to demonstrate that the development can be undertaken without unacceptable harm to retained trees and their Root Protection Areas. The proposal therefore conflicts with Policy HB1 of the Places and Policies Local Plan (2020) and Policy N2 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2026), which seek to protect trees of demonstrable value.

From the council's decision notice.

Publicity

Appeal

Additional Information