Villagers’ power to plan new homes a “worry”


THE rights of communities to build houses under the coalition gov- ernment's localism agenda is a concern to Maidstone's development control manager Rob Jarman. If the Localism Bill becomes law, housing schemes could be built without planning consent though, ultimately, parish residents may have the final say via a referendum. Mr Jarman told councillors during a debate on the rural economy:


"Potentially, up to 20 affordable houses in the countryside could be built without planning permission, depending on a referendum. I obviously have some worries about what that might lead to."


A PROPOSALto allow eques- trian use at an agricultural site in Staplehurst has been refused over the safety of horses. Breeder Karl Brown, who


lives in Hunton, wanted to graze on the pasture and stable his horses inside part of the ap- proved agricultural building on land south of Marden Road. But Maidstone Council claimed that: “Inadequate pro- vision has been made for the se-


Cyril Dyer CYRILDyer (82) was known to many people in Maidstone and surrounding villages as a busy chimney sweep tending a num- ber of historic buildings, such as Leeds Castle. He grew up


in Yalding but moved to Bearsted with his wife Violet and daughter Pauline. He was a founding member of the Yalding Garden Society and was delighted to be invited to return for the society’s 50th an- niversary celebrations. Gardening remained a signif-


icant part of Cyril’s life, with many people admiring his beautiful garden in Roseacre Lane, Bearsted, especially his cyclamen and azaleas. He also spent a number of


years as a Bearsted parish coun- cillor, keen to conserve the vil- lage that he loved. Cyril was diagnosed with de- mentia in July last year and sadly suffered a rapid deterio- ration in his health. He passed away on February 15 at Iden Manor Nursing Home in Sta-


curity of the animals to be kept on the site. “The applicant does not re-


But he said the Localism Bill does give rural economies the chance to move forward. He maintained rural areas are "in a good place if they want to em-


brace change", particularly as they already have an “established base” - parish councils. He added: "In practical terms it makes sense for certain parishes


to come together as a group - a sort of duty of cooperation.” Mr Jarman gave an example of a proposed housing estate or office


park thatwould affect more than one parish. “Itmakes sense, when we are engaging with parishes, to speak to them as a group."


Security fear blocks horse plan THESE three RSPCA vol- unteers put the fun into fund-raising when they had their faces painted for the charity's annual bazaar. Bunny (Leonie Harring-


side in a location that would en- sure the safety and security of the horses kept on the site and the granting of permission for this use in the absence of such security is likely to lead in the future to pressure for accommo- dation to be provided on the site, which is located in the open countryside.”


ton), Tiger (Carol Jacques) and Cat (Cherie Murray) certainly looked the part for the event at Sutton Va-


lence village hall, which made £800 for the Maidstone and Tun- bridgeWells branch. Leonie said: "2010 was an incredibly difficult year for us and we had to close our cattery doors as we were inundated with cats.”


We will remember


plehurst. He leaves Violet, his wife of


63 years; daughter Pauline, son- in-law Lance and grandchil- dren Claire and Nick.


Alf Shand ALF Shand had moved from East Farleigh to Harrietsham more than six years ago when Lenmead was built. For the past two years, since


his wife died, Alf became in- volved in the village and joined many organisations. He took part in whist drives,


the Len Valley Active Retire- ment Association, Harrietsham Gardening Society and the Short Mat Bowls Club. Alf had owned his own busi-


ness, ACE Industrial Supplies, an engineering and catering firm which his son Richard now runs. He also leaves a daughter, Susan.


Rosemary Brookes ROSEMARY Doris Brookes (90) lived in Friars Court, Maid- stone, for 23 years, having pre-


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viously lived at Penenden Heath.


Rosemary, husband John and


family moved to Maidstone in the late Fifties. John worked at John Angell jewellers on the High Street. He subsequently became manager and the com- pany moved to Gabriels Hill. Born in Australia, Rosemary


(nee Streeter) moved to the UK with her British parents. She met John and both served in the RAF during the war. Their 67-year marriage started in 1943 and the couple raised children Peter, Sue and Roger.


Daughter Sue Pick said: “My


mother was devoted to her fam- ily and enjoyed a long and happy life. She was gentle and kind. She loved to spend time with her grandchildren and great grand-children. She was homely and in the early days became a really good babysit- ter.”


Due to ill heath, Rosemary moved to Sutton Valence Care Home about three years ago. She leaves her children, five grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.”


Margaret Murray MARGARET “Maggie“ Murray (86) of Sandling Lane, Penen- den Heath, died after a fall down stairs while on holiday in Spain.


Husband Alexander was a re-


tired captain from 36 Engineer Regiment, based at Maidstone Barracks. Maggie’s fall on February 7


left her with serious injuries and she died two days later. She was mother to a daughter and two sons and had travelled around the world with her hus- band’s military career.


She was also a member of the


“Red Hatters” a local group of women who go on outings and wear red hats, bags and match- ing accessories. Maggie leaves her widower,


their children and four grand- children.


Daphne Pavey DAPHNE Pavey (78), of Javelin Road on the Airfield Estate at Kings Hill, had lived in the local area twice. She and hus- band Les had worked at Benen- den Hospital for 25 years; he as a groundsman and Daphne in the kitchen. They raised children Alan, Michael, Steve, Martin, Colin and Tina. On retirement they moved to Somerset. When Les died, Daphne moved back to Maidstone to stay with Tina and her family. Tina said: “She got on with


everyone and was respected for her honesty. My mother was de- voted to her family and never one to complain about things. “She loved her bingo at the


Granada and reading romantic novels. We went out with our friend Heidi, even when my mother was ill, and that helped her enjoy her life to the very end.”


Daphne leaves her children,


14 grandchildren and six great- grandchildren.


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