Parish supports large polytunnels plan


BOUGHTONMonchelsea Parish Council was praised for supporting an application to extend the coverage of polytunnels at Parkwood Farm, Brishing Lane. Maidstone’s planning committee granted permission for applicant George Charlton & Sons to add another 53 acres to the 14 acres of polytunnels currently being used for growing fruit, after the proposal received an endorsement from parish council chairman Cllr Stephen Munford. He said: “We should protect the agricul-


tural industry to preserve the countryside within our village. We have all seen vast areas of agricultural land go over to a de- veloper because the farmer has been unable to make the land profitable. “The countryside is not static. The intro- duction of the hop picking machine and


Oast conversion ANapplication to convert an oast house into a two-bedroom home in Hunton was given planning permission. Maidstone Council accepted


the proposal for Gudgeon Oast, West Street, after agent DHA Planning promoted the argu- ment for residential develop- ment in its correspondence: “Planning policy recognises


that in many cases the best way of ensuring the long term main- tenance of buildings of archi- tectural merit is to keep them in active use. The residential use of the site is the only other op- tion to ensure the longevity and long term future of the oast.”


then later the demise of hop growing, the in- troduction of oil seed rape and its bright yellow bloom, EU policy resulting in fields left fallow and the decline of our fruit or- chards because the grower was unable to compete.


Not everybody was in favour of the


plan. Resident Peter Cooper told the com- mittee that the size of the land covered by polytunnels was excessive.


“These are just a few of the issues that


have changed the appearance of our coun- tryside, and now we see the introduction of the polytunnel. This is only another devel- opment to allow us to compete in what is now a world market. “To save what is left of our countryside


Extension refusal MAIDSTONE Council blocked a proposal to demolish part of a Grade II listed 17th century building in Laddingford. Applicant Andrew Swaine wanted to demolish part of an existing rear playroom at Mere- worth House, Lees Road, and erect a rear extension. But the council ruled that the flat-roofed design, height and extensive glazing would result in a severe loss of significance to a designated heritage asset. The council also claimed that demolishing an existing rear wall and the addition of a toilet extension would further harm the listed building.


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and to protect our agricultural industry, grant this application.” It was passed unanimously. Cllr Tony Harwood said: “As an urban edge area - the buffer between the built-up extent of south Maidstone and Boughton Monchelsea - agri- cultural land in this area is very vulnerable, so we need to do everything we can to sup- port its viability.” Cllr Richard Ash added: “It is good to


have a parish council that is pro-agriculture. This has not always been the case when it comes to this committee. “Polytunnels are the way forward. If you


don’t allow them, you are expecting our farmers to work with one hand tied behind their backs. If we are seeking sustainability then we have to try and produce as much food as we can in this country.”


Music comeback THREE musicians with a total of 118 years’ stage experience have emerged from retirement and are back on the pub-gigging scene as ‘The Grandads’. Guitarist Neil Foreman (56),


from Staplehurst, bass player John Simpson (63), from East Peckham and drummer Chris Jarvis (62), from Rochester are looking to perform in local pubs.


Census help CENSUS-writing help is being offered at Headcorn Library on April 12 (3-4pm) and April 14 (4-6pm).


Custard pies return THE World Custard Pie Cham- pionships returns to Coxheath on Saturday, May 28. After a lengthy hiatus, the


event is now firmly established as an annual village occasion. Last year’s winners wereHigh


Pressure Cleaning Company, who were a last-minute entry due to being a team short and ended up beating the reigning champions – a team from South Africa - in the final knock-out. The Maidstone YMCA Staff


will again be volunteering their services. If you want to enter a team of four people, contact Leslee on 07776 301 888 or lesleewcpc@googlemail.com


Easter Services at Maidstone United Reformed Church, Week Street


Good Friday April 22nd The evening service of worship is at 19:30 and will include “Kyrios” by Tony Ware, sung by the Churches Together in Maidstone choir. A retiring collection will be held in aid of the Heart of Kent Hospice.


Hot cross buns and coffee will be served after the service.


Easter Sunday April 24th Morning worship is at 10:30 and will be led by the Rev Brenda Russell. The service will include the Sacrament of Holy Communion. A crèche and activities for children will be available. Refreshments will also be available after the service.


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