PEOPLE on low incomes could struggle to afford to live in Maid- stone over the next two decades, a borough councillor haswarned. Cllr Tony Harwood, who sits
on the planning committee, be- lieves Maidstone Council is let- ting developers, who claim they are constrained by viability, get away with not providing the lev- els of affordable housing required by Section 106 agreements. Hewas a dissenting member of
the committee that allowed Mid- dlefield’s Pension Fund to free it- self from a 40%on-site affordable housing requirement relating to the development of 35 flats on land west of Eccleston Road, Tovil (see page 28).
Affordable housing fears CllrHarwood pointed out con-
cerns over three other applica- tions: Maidstone Studios site in New Cut Road, Vinters Park. In July 2009, the council granted per- mission for 142 units and al- lowed developer Persimmon Homes to provide 25% afford- able housing (36 units), reduced from the 40% required. FormerTovilTip site inWalnut Tree Farm, Farleigh
Hill.InJuly 2011, the council agreed to renew outline planning consent a total of 272 homes, with only 13.3% likely to be affordable. Laguna Motorcycles site in Hart Street, Maidstone. A pend-
DVLA jobs under threat STAFF at the DVLA office in Maid- stone are bracing themselves for the jobs axe under government plans ex- pected to save £28m by closing 39 re- gional centres. The office, in Queen Anne Road, is
set to close by the end of 2013, and consultations have begun with repre- sentatives of the 30 staff. They are ex- pected to end onMarch 6. The Government says it will be pro- viding best value for money for the taxpayer by switching work currently processed at the regional offices to the DVLA HQ in Swansea. However, union chiefs have de- scribed the centralisation, which could mean the loss of 1,200 jobs across the country, as “outrageous and unnecessary” and pledged to fight it.
Labrador killing probed POLICE were investigating the appar- ent killing of a Labrador dog found in Mote Park,Maidstone. Insp Tristan Stevens said: “To cause
such suffering to a defenceless animal is cowardly and callous and we are keen to ensure the person responsible for this is arrested.We are asking any- one who has any information about this act of extreme cruelty to come for- ward.” Anyone with information, should call 101.
Theft prompts garage BEARSTED man David Pearce is to erect a detached garage for safe storage following a burglary at his home. He was given planning permission
to build the garage at The Old Cottage, Sutton Street. His design and heritage statement said: “We have been unfor- tunate in our time at The Old Cottage to have had a house break-in. “The police advised us that the thieves would have targeted the parked car and were likely to have been break- ing into the house to get the car keys. “On another occasion, tools were
stolen from a vehicle parked on the drive as a result of having no secure storage area for such tools and equipment.”
Obscure glass condition THE Jubilee Trust has been given con- sent to move into a bungalow next to Willington Court, at 2 Ashford Road, Maidstone. Maidstone Council granted planning permission on condition that a rear dormer window contains obscure glazing and has restricted opening, to prevent overlooking of the occupants of 4 Ashford Road.
ing application of 76 flats offers no on-site affordable housing, but potentially a £100,000 contribu- tion for off-site provision.
CllrHarwood said: “When this evolving trend is set alongside the drying-up of (formerly gener- ous) central government funding for affordable housing initiatives and the precipitate decline in the MBC capital coffers, the future does not look bright for afford- able housing provision in the borough.
“Just as our current economic problems really begin to bite, un- employment rises and incomes shrink, the delivery of much-
needed local affordable housing is faltering. “If a virtually bankrupt Britain
could deliver massive council housing investment in the after- math ofWWII, it can do it again now.” Maidstone’s Green Party has warned of potential “housing chaos” in the town as waiting lists shoot up from their already record level. Last year, the social housing waiting list inMaidstone rose to 3,442–arecord level and 4.5 times higher than in 1997. Stuart Jeffery said: “In Maidstone we could see huge rises on top of the record levels of people on the waiting list for social housing.
Nominate your unsung heroes
WHO are the Stars of Maidstone working tire- lessly and selflessly in our town?Are there peo- ple or organisations you believe should be thanked for making a difference to you and/or theMaidstone community? It could be the organisation who helped in your time of need, such asaspecificwardinMaidstone Hospital, or the local newsagent who consistently brightens up your day, or a neighbour who helps to make your community a special place to live. You can nominate people you consider wor-
thy of an award for any of the 15 categories listed (right). A shortlist will be submitted to
the Celebrate Maidstone judging panel, from which the winners will be chosen and invited to receive an award at the Stars of Maidstone event held at the Mercure Hotel on Friday,May 11 Keypeoplefromanumberof organisations that contribute to Maidstone’s wellbeing and pros- perity will be invited to attend alongside the winners and their
families. The event also offers an evening of en- tertainment and a three-course meal. Vote now for free at www.celebratemaid-
stone.org.uk and earn the chance towin one of two pairs of tickets up for grabs for the event.
Lifetime achievement award ONE of Dave Kings’s first Maidstone-based community endeav- ours was when he and his wife began leading the youth group at Shepway Free Church in the 1970s. However, it was his decision to give up paid work to become a volunteer that made it possible for him to change people’s lives. Dave started small by befriending families and people in need. From there, Dave has founded a huge range of community- minded initiatives including the Oasis Community Cafe, the Shepway Christian Advice Centre and, perhaps most notably, KingsReach Services, which he established with his son Stew- art. The service offers educational facilities in Kings Reach Schools for teenage boys and girls who have been excluded from local secondary schools. Beacon Furniture, a service that collects unwanted furniture
Celebrate Maidstone chairman Neil Pattison and Dan Maudhub ofWonderful Creative Industry, present Dave King (centre) with his lifetine achievement award
and redistributes it to families in need, also comprises part of Dave’s work, as does the Ark Project, which offers a place in Hollingbourne where children enjoyed quality time awayfrom often difficult environments. Son Stewart said: “Wherever you go, at whatever time, there
will be someone who waves, chats or hugs him. It truly is amazing and Idon’t think you can number the individuals and families he has impacted and supported over the past 25 years.” Dave said: “My biggest desire is to see communities and families move out of poverty and for people with little hope to go on to lead a fulfilled and worthwhile life.” Dave was awarded the MBE in 1999 for services to young people.
Send in your photos and videos
YOUcan also share your experience of living in Maidstone by filming a 30-second clip of you and at least two other people at your favourite place in and around the town. Also, send in your best pictures of the town and they, as well as videos,will be showcased on the Celebrate Maidstone site.
Visit Downs Mail’s website —
downsmail.co.uk The categories
Star postie – delivering post to your home or office Star lollypop person – serving the community in any weather Star bus driver – helping us get where we need to go Star shopkeeper – someonewho has helped you from behind the counter Star resident – a community member looking out for others Star volunteer – a helper in the voluntary sector who made a dif- ference in your life Care sector: star courage – a per- son who has helped others in the face of their own personal suffer- ing Emergency services/NHS –a specific incident where the police, ambulance, fire service or NHS has helped you Star investor in the next genera- tion – a person or organisation that has paved the way for the benefit of the next generation Business contribution – a busi- ness that has helped the commu- nity Arts contribution – a theatre, dance studio, gallery or art college that has made Maidstone a better place to live Maidstone Borough Council –a person or section of the council that has helped you Schools and colleges – a teacher or staff member who has inspired you Retail endurance – the longest- running business in town
Anyone wanting to be a partner through advertising, sponsorship or other support can send an email to: joinin@celebratemaid-
stone.org.uk
East 21
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