Backing for affordable homes scheme Pupils dress up for Victorian day
THE proposed development of 12 affordable homes in Sutton Va- lence was the subject of lavish praise from Maidstone Council’s planning committee. The committee unanimously allowed applicant Cascade Part- nerships to build homes in Haven Farm on the west side of the A274 North Street, opposite Sutton Valence School. Cllr Maurice Stancombe, representing Sutton Valence Parish
Council, said: “The parish council has been seeking a low-cost housing development for the last 10 years. “The 2005 parish plan shows a need for 22 affordable homes in
the parish. At one stage, Cascade Partnerships proposed 16 homes, but this was reduced, which is what the council wanted.” The main objector was neighbour Mr Juffs, who felt his privacy
would be compromised. He said: “Unless screening is effective, people will be able to look into my kitchen, study and garage.” The applicant responded by promising to erect a close-boarded fence to appease this concern. With a comprehensive landscaping belt, a low density of 30 dwellings per hectare, two parking spaces for each of the two and three bedroom properties, the feeling among committee members was overwhelmingly positive. Cllr Clive English said: “One has to commend the applicant and
parish council for their persistence in getting it right. There has been a lot of work. “The one remaining point of detail, the fence, has been sorted
out. Sutton Valence, like many rural communities, can certainly do with this type of housing and appropriate development to ensure villages remain sustainable. It’s an exemplary development.”
Youth service opens LOCAL MP Helen Grant at- tended the opening of a new youth in-patient service at Woodlands House, Staplehurst. Operated by the South Lon-
don and Maudsley NHS Foun- dation Trust, it will provide 24/7 specialist care for those with complex mental health problems living in the county.
Bus pass price rise THE cost of the Kent Freedom Pass is to double to £100 from the start of next school year. About 26,000 young people currently pay £50 per year for the bus pass. But parents ap- plying for 2011-12 will have to pay £100, although there is a £50 concession for children re- ceiving free school meals.
PUPILS at Sutton Va- lence Preparatory School stepped back more than a century to experience life in Vic- torian times. Year Two children
and members of staff came to school in 1880s clothes. PCs, laptops and interac- tive whiteboards were banned as blackboards and chalk were brought back into play in a morning filled with living history. Children learned about life at Sutton Va- lence in the Victorian era (the school was founded in 1576), in the days when it was an all-boys boarding school. It was followed by a typical Victorian school lunch of gruel.
Caravan site could replace bike circuit
THE International Grasstrack Circuit in Collier Street may be converted into a 30-pitch tour- ing caravan park. Kevin Still has twice been re-
Tourism cash boost ABOUT 3.3m day trips were made to Maidstone borough in 2009, up9%from 2006. Expen- diture by day-trippers rose by 10% to more than £110m. Around £62m was spent by 417,000 overnight visitors, up 6% on 2006, according to the Tourism South East research unit.
fused permission to build a zero-carbon property on the site of the current motorcycle track in Longend Lane, and now wants to set up a caravan site.
Changing rooms WEST Farleigh Sports Club was given permission to erect new changing room facilities in Elmscroft Park, Charlton Lane.
Garages plan APPLICANT Barry Alderwants to build five garages between Bathurst Road and Fletcher Road, Staplehurst.
18 South
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