Expansion ‘success story’
A MARDEN-based storage and distribution com- pany has received an accolade for succeeding in tough economic times. Members ofMaidstone Council’s planning com- mittee praised Claygate Distribution, which deals with bathroom products and hardware, and granted the company permission to expand its Pattenden Lane premises by 2,716sq m. Jonathan Buckwell, representing the ap- plicant, explained that the company had grown rapidly since planning permission was originally se- curedin2007for a new 7,060sq m facil- ity on land to the east of the industrial es- tate. The family-run business was established in Marden in 1990. He said: “To say the new building has been suc- cessful is an understatement. It has transformed the business and allowed the company to con- tinue to grow despite the current recession and safeguarded local jobs for local people. “It has grown so rapidly and exceeded all ex- pectations.” The company said the new building, which was contrary to existing policy as it would be erected outside the village envelope, would add another 14 jobs to the existing workforce of 91 full-time employees. After hearing a request from committee chair-
man Cllr Richard Lusty to make the building more environmentally friendly, council leader Cllr Chris Garland said: “This is an appropriate departure from our development plan. We do need to encourage economic development and this is an example of that.
“I don’t think we should impose other restric-
tions such as a green roof. We have a successful company looking to expand during these flat times, and this needs to be encouraged.” Fellow Conservative committee member Cllr Richard Ash said: “This is a successful company. There are millions of people worried about their jobs and if I was at this company, I would not be scared about losing my job. “I hope they are successful and maybe in four years’ time they will want an- other extension so, good, let them get on with it and give them their permission.” This prospect of
Claygate Distribution’s base at Marden
further expansion concerned local ward member Cllr Rodd Nelson-Gracie, who said: “What hap- pens in another four years if they want to extend? We may need to look at another location because Idon’t thinktheywillbeabletoextendany more.” The application was accepted unanimously.
MRandMrs Coles have applied to set up a holiday caravan site at Round Oak Farm, Sutton Valence, so tourists can view one of the largest flocks of a rare breed of sheep in the country. The proposal is for three static holiday
let caravans. The flock has grown since being introduced to the farm in 2006. Ac- cording to the supporting statement: “It can now boast one of the largest flocks of Hebridean sheep in the country and, with its growing herd of Highland cows,
Parking allowed WEST Farleigh parish church has been given permission to convert agricultural land into an 18-space car park. Maidstone Council accepted
the scheme on condition that the car park in Church Lane is only used in connection with All Saints’ Church. The plan- ning department also de- manded a programme of archaeological work and the use of reinforced plastic mesh on the existing grassed surface.
Solar go-ahead HUNTON Parish Council has been given permission to install solar PV panels at the village hall inWest Street. Maidstone Council permitted
the positioning of 21 panels, forming a 4kW scheme, on the south-facing roof slope of the building, which was erected as an extension to the original hall in 1991. The scheme will re- duce electricity costs.
Hebridean sheep farm seeks holiday site
attracts many visitors to the farm. “The growing interest stems from the publicity the farm gets from the local media and also those who visit many of the country parks around Maidstone. “To encourage further visitors to see
this unique farm in operation, it is pro- posed to provide three holiday cabins where tourists can stay and experience farm life, together with visiting this beau- tiful part of Kent.” Maidstone Council will decide on the planning application.
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