Great Easthall Way, Sittingbourne, Kent

The application, submitted on behalf of Trenport Investments Ltd sought outline planning permission for residential development of up to 9 dwellings, open space, access, surface water attenuation and landscaping.

The main issue at appeal was the potential use of the site for a community use, in particular for a medical centre. The site, which has been unused for many years, and adjoins a recently opened community centre, was originally earmarked for use as a medical centre as part of a local centre for the Great Easthall estate. However, the NHS advised that the land was not required for this use. An earlier planning appeal on adjoining land, also handled by Vincent + Gorbing, confirmed that retail and public house uses were not viable in this location.

Despite this background the Local Planning Authority considered that the site should be retained for a community facility. The Planning Inspector found that the proposed development would not be harmful to the amenities and well-being of local residents if the land was not used for a medical centre.