Stoves by Edmed
Parking permission victory
A DETLING resident was given permission to site a second ve- hicle at his home after it was claimed that no other property in the borough has a restriction of this kind. In July 2006, a planning in- spector granted KennethHarper permission to live permanently in a caravan at Detling Lime Works, Hermitage Lane, on con- dition that only one vehicle is sited there. But case officer Peter Hockney admitted in his report recommending the over- turning of this condition that, “there are no other residences in the borough, that I am aware of, either bricks and mortar housing or caravan sites, where the number of private vehicles is restricted”. This stance was agreed by the planning committee, despite hearing complaints from object- ing neighbour Michael Sokolow about breaches of planning con- trol regarding commercial activ- ities, open storage and landscaping on the site, which
are being investigated. Mr Sokolow said: “I have
lived at Hillside House for 12 years and have experienced a number of encounters with Mr Harper. I have seen a lot of ac- tivities that have not been per- mitted but have been ignored formany years. The value ofmy property has decreased, due to activities at the quarry.” Mr Harper said: “Due to ill health I want to keep my Land Rover Discovery on site as I need to attend hospital on a reg- ular basis. I live alone and there will be no increase in traffic. The scale of the development will be very minor.” The committee unanimously granted planning permission as the application was considered in isolation to the alleged breaches.
Cllr Rodd Nelson-Gracie criti- cised the length of the report: “I find it very surprising that we need a 20-page report to give someone permission to park a car next to his residence.”
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TV star marks opening of children’s centre CBEEBIES television star Mister Maker drew a crowd at the opening of a new centre for disabled children at the former Detling Primary School. The star of Mister Maker Comes To Town joined county Cllr
Jenny Whittle to officially open the Bluebells Short Break Cen- tre.
The centre offers overnight accommodation for disabled chil-
dren aged five to 17. While the children enjoy all the centre’s fa- cilities and go out on day trips, shopping or swimming, parents get time to relax and have a break from round-the-clock caring. The former school interior has been redesigned to make it a
home from home. As well as the bedrooms, there is a lounge, dining area, state-of-the-art bathing facilities, playroom and gar- den, which overlooks the foot of the North Downs. An old blackboard has been retained to mark the building’s former use and give the children something on which to draw and write. Cllr Whittle, KCC cabinet member for specialist children’s services, said: “Bluebells is a fabulous centre where families with disabled children can come for a change of scenery and a range of activities. Bluebells is a partnership between KCC and Kent Community Healthcare NHS Trust. The centre replaces the services previ- ously offered at Court Drive in Maidstone. For more information about short breaks for disabled chil-
dren, visit
www.kent.gov.uk/shortbreaks Business group expands beyond borough
MAIDSTONE mayor Cllr Brian Mortimer ventured outside the borough to support the expan- sion of Lenham Valley Business Association. For the first time, one of the business association’s network- ing events took place in Char- ing, where 15% of its membership is based. Cllr Mortimer joined around
50 people at The Oak pub and hotel in the village. Alan Read- ing, chairman of the business
Visit Downs Mail’s website —
downsmail.co.uk
association, said: “The best news of all is that the member- ship has soared to over 90 dif- ferent businesses.” Mr Reading remarked that a
good night was had by all and the associationwas looking for- ward to its joint network meet- ing with South Maidstone Business Association at Chilston Park Hotel on Tues- day, December 6. For further information go to
www.lenhambusiness.co.uk.
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