Supermarket still on, housing now off


THE Aldi supermarket scheme in Maidstone town centre is still on the agenda, but will no longer include housing. The discount foodstore was


first given consent to build a su- permarket and 21 residential units on the junction of Well Road and Wheeler Street in Jan- uary 2005. Almost four years later, planning permission was granted for a smaller scheme, with provision for only three flats. The latest planning applica-


tion is for a slightly smallerAldi supermarket, containing 990 sqm of sales floorspace, and no housing.


and the many positive impacts it will have on the local area, in- cluding employment generation and meeting a qualitative defi- ciency. “While it is unfortunate that


An artist’s impression of the new store


The applicant’s economic statement said: “Due to the downturn in the financial cli- mate it has now become unvi- able for Aldi to deliver a mixed-use scheme which has, in the past, included a separate


Road closure delayed A PROLONGED closure of the main street through Hollingbourne will start in April – not this month, as originally suggested. Southern Gas Networks advised locals


before Christmas that the planned closure to through traffic of Eyhorne Street has been deferred to the start of April. Christopher Rudgard, who runs the vil-


lage shop, was among those who wanted the scheme delayed till after the worst of the winter weather. He thought it would have been “madness” to start in January. The work will last for 20 weeks and af-


fect the section between the A20 and Hasteds. SGN has assured residents that access


will be maintained at all times and that gas supplies will not be affected while the new main is installed.


building with residential units above three retail units. “The delivery of the mixed-


use scheme jeopardizes the abil- ity of Aldi to provide the key economic benefit of the devel- opment, which is the foodstore


MPs’ latest expenses MAIDSTONE and The Weald MP Helen Grant claimed nearly £12,000 in expenses, and Mid Kent's Hugh Robertson MP more than £9,000, during the first three months after last May's election. The figures, for all MPs, are the first to be re- leased since new rules were introduced in the wake of the outcry over the previous system. Mrs Grant's claim of £11,708 included £4,001


in rent for a second home, £2,515 for computer equipment and £36.40 for a taxi home after a late sitting. Mr Robertson claimed £9,121, of which £7,546 was for rent, council tax and telephone line rental. No claims were recorded for Tunbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stanley while Chatham andAylesford's newMPTracey Crouch claimed £6,319 including £3,877 for staffing costs.


Aldi has been unable to imple- ment its past consents, which has resulted in the prominent site remaining vacant for many years, the company is still com- mitted to building a store at this location which will bring sig- nificant benefits to the local area and are confident that the current proposals are deliver- able.”


Maidstone Council will rule on the application.


Cash for teen sports


MONEY is on offer to enable clubs and other voluntary organisations to provide sporting opportunities for teenagers. The Kent County Playing Fields Associ-


ation can make grants of up to £300 to each successful applicant. Secretary Paul Peacock said: "Examples


of initiatives that would qualify include the formation of new sports clubs for young people aged 10-16; providing skills coaching for youngsters; and organising courses for coaches and other officials that will ultimately benefit youngsters. "There will be no restrictions on the


sports that will qualify." Forms may be obtained from the


KCPFA, Cantium Lodge, Terrace Road, Maidstone ME16 8HU. The closing date is March 20.


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