Malling Mail 7 LOCAL PLANNING


Planning permission has been agreed in principle for the redevelopment of warehouses of the former SCA Packaging site next to New Hythe train station, Larkfield.


The plans allow either a single large warehouse or two separate warehouses on the site with a frontage onto to Papyrus Way and an improved access off New Hythe Lane for HGV lorries.


The land is on part of the former Reed Paper Mills industrial site, established from the 1920s onwards, which is proposed for redevelopment following its vacation by SCA. Plans are still being drawn up for a recycling site, including metals recovery on a now virtually cleared site between the railway station and the River Medway.


Both sites have attracted local objections because the only access is along Leybourne Way and then New Hythe Lane. Leybourne Way was built at the same time as the M20 as access to the then paper mills site but since then new houses have been built at Leybourne Lakes and Leybourne Park with some residents complaining about increased traffic and noise.


The first site for which planning permission has just been granted by Tonbridge and Malling Council dates back as an industrial site to before 1948, when planning was introduced. As an "existing use site" it could operate 24 hours a day but planners advised, due to the site’s status, this could not be legally challenged under planning laws.


Goodmans, the applicant, insists there will be no increase in traffic over which could have previously been generated. The applicant did, however, agree to a request by Larkfield Parish Council to retain the six car park spaces voluntarily allowed on the site by SCA.


SHELTERED ACCOMMODATION


Bedsits in sheltered accommodation are now available for immediate occupation in St Peter's Court, Ditton, and St George's Court, Wrotham.


The units are available for active elderly people over the age of 60 and for the over 55 if they have a support need. If you are interested, please contact Corinne Heale at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council on 01732 780999 ext 4822.


Goodmans also promised that although the site was being marketed as "Aylesford", New Hythe would be included in the address as the parish council felt visitors would otherwise have trouble finding it and HGVs could end up using the southern end of New Hythe Lane, which is subject to a weight restriction.


Meanwhile, a planning application is still awaited for the Biossence site on the other side of the railway station. The land has appeared in the KCC draft Waste and Minerals Plan as Site 61 for potential recycling. It appears Aylesford metals in Mill Hall may move to this site as part of the planned redevelopment, including recycling of commercial waste by a gasification process.


Parish Council chairman David Thornewell said: “It is clear from the planner’s legal advice that because both predate the planning acts it is not possible to object to their redevelopment for industrial purposes.


“The passed application will result in better-looking buildings, landscaping and boundary treatment and we are pleased the six station spaces will be kept.


“The Biossence proposal is somewhat different in that it involves recycling processes and will involve the Environment Agency in respect of emissions and air quality issues. It has, unlike the other site, a long length of river wharf and adjoins the railway.


“There is real concern about rising traffic levels along Leybourne Way and I would like to see the river and railway used for any redevelopment. I feel it would be too early to put in a panning application till the draft waste plan has considered if this is the right site for commercial recycling and Kent County Council has gone through that process first. "


Drive smarter, cut carbon, save money


Kent businesses are being offered free ‘smarter’ driving lessons to help reduce their carbon emissions.


One free lesson per company is available from the South East Business Carbon


Hub at Kent County Council.


The Energy Saving Trust says smarter driving training teaches people techniques to drive more fuel efficiently, which could help cut fuel bills by £250 per driver, based on 12,000 miles a year.


Limited places are available and can be booked on a first come, first served basis.


carbon.hub@kent.gov.uk.


The carbon hub is also holding drop-in sessions at County Hall, Maidstone, for businesses to find out about STEM, the Steps to Environmental Management scheme, which helps companies fully assess their environmental impacts. These are being held from September to December. carbon.hub@kent.gov.uk.


Community Spotlight


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