Homes ‘not residential’
RESIDENTS of park homes near Harrietsham have lost their battle to remain in their homes all year round. There are 19 residential static homes at Pilgrims’ Retreat, in Hogbarn Lane, but people living in the other 161 homes have to vacate from January toMarch. Maidstone Council granted planning permission for the use of these homes all year, on condi- tion that none is used as a per- son’s sole or main residence. Harrietsham Parish Council
had objected to the buildings be- coming permanent residences. Cllr Tony Taylor said: “This is in the middle of the North Downs area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It is in wonderful coun- tryside and is not suitable for residential accommodation. “There are 33 enforcement notices related to people who live there. You [Maidstone Council] can either roll over and hope it goes away, or en- sure it is used as a tourist site.” The council says it will en-
sure the homes remain for hol- iday purposes only by demanding that the operator maintains an up-to-date register of owners and occupiers, along with their home addresses. These details will have to be made available to the council whenever necessary. Question marks were raised
about whether this condition would be enforceable, but plan- ning officer Amanda Marks said: “It is not easier or harder to en- force than before, but is a differ- ent mechanism. This condition is widely used in holiday parks.” Local borough Cllr John Barned said: “If these people are forced to move for two months
they will need to find accommo- dation. They will present them- selves to Maidstone Council as homeless and we will have to deal with them. “Most of them are retired and
just want to live a relaxed life.” The application,with the con- dition, was granted by 10 votes to one, with two abstentions.
Tim
Heathfield presents the newkit to MPE FC president Michael Rayner (left) and James Beven, captain of the senior team
Club wins sponsorship deal
THE Society Rooms in Maidstone have agreed to sponsorMPEfoot- ball club,which plays atMallards Way, Downswood; Madginford School, Bearsted and Mote Park. Pub manager Tim Heathfield
said: “We want to become a part of the community, and what bet- ter way than to show our support to MPE FC. “I am looking forward to being able, with the help of JD Wether-
spoon, to put something backinto the community. “I know any help JD Wether-
spoonandTheSocietyRoomscan provide will be put to good use at the club, and help to play a small part in keepingMPE FC running.” Club presidentMichael Rayner,
said: “Weare verygrateful for this kind donation. They also organ- ised a quiz night, which raised more than £100 for the club.”
Memorial will hit high note
COLLEAGUES and friends of Maidstone musician Roger Cable are getting together to celebrate his life and contribu- tion to music in the borough. Roger, who died in Septem-
ber, performed with many local bands, from the 1950s right through to his retirement, due to ill health, in 2010. Many of these musicians
will be at theOrchard Spot in Spot Lane, Downswood, from 8pmto2am on May26, where music will be pro- vided by Face Values, Taking Care of Vegas and The Web Foundation. The organisers hope many
of his friends and colleagues will bring their instruments (and voices) to join in theme- morial. Tickets are £5, and are available by calling 01622 755760, or email mick@pen-
type.co.uk. Proceeds of the night will
go to a charity chosen by Roger’s family.
KCC jobs cut Kent County Council has seen the equivalent of 2,417 full- time jobs cut from its staff since the general election, according to a GMB study of official data.
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