Mini-KIG warning over farm plans


HOLLINGBOURNE residents are running out of patience with a local business they claim is flouting the planning process. These protestors (see picture)


gathered to raise awareness of the issue they have dubbed a “mini-KIG” in reference to the controversial plans for a mas- sive warehousing depot near Bearsted. Their concern focuses on Hollingbourne Farm, where the firm, Sheds and Shelters, is a tenant of John Boyd Farms Ltd. Residents have complained about increased heavy traffic and noise from circular saws and other machinery. The locals are worried that a change-of-use


application


would, if granted, see some parts of the farm being granted heavy industrial (B2) and dis- tribution centre (B8) planning rights. A residents’ spokesman said:


“We are concerned that change of use of some of these farm buildings would set a planning


precedent for further applica- tions to convert the remaining larger farm units, which are substantial enough in size for a large-scale distribution opera- tion.We see it as a mini-KIG.” Previous retrospective plan-


THE NEXT “Hands On Church” will be a special Christingle service for all ages, to be held on Sun- day, January 23, at St Mary’s and All Saints’ Church in Boxley, starting at 3pm. Everyone is invited to this family service, which


will include singing and information about the Christingles.


ning proposals at Holling- bourne Farm were turned down on appeal to the Secretary of State in 2009. They were deemed inappropriate in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a residential setting.


Special Christingle service means treat for everyone The Christingles themselves will be for every-


one to take away and eat at home. During the af- ternoon, there will be a collection in aid of the Children’s Society. The service will finish around 3.45pm, fol-


lowed by drinks, biscuits and the opportunity for a chat.


But the spokesman added: “Many of the buildings on the farm still have unapproved manufacturing usage by Sheds and Shelters, despite continued objections by residents to Maid- stone Council. Another villager commented:


“We have seen a large increase in HGV traffic through the nar- row lanes of the village due to Satnavs. The lorries damage the verges, cause accidents and reg- ularly get stuck on Holling- bourne Hill.” Local resident and business-


man Paul Dixon added: “ We are not opposed to farm diver- sification. However, any devel- opment in residential areas should be of a peaceful, light industry/ office (B1) nature such as our own digital media studios and holiday let rather than this noisy, heavy indus- trial development. Last May, Boyd Farms sub- mitted proposals which, they claimed, would overcome the council’s previous concerns and would significantly reduce the space for B2 processing and noise. But negotiations with council planners over various issues, including noise attenu- ation, have continued into the new year. “How much time do these people need?” asked Mr Dixon’s wife, Angela.


To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330


East 13


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