From a derelict wreck to elegant living


Anopening ceremonyhas takenplace atAudley Mote House, the large new retirementscheme in Mote Park. The project involves the conversion of the 18th century Grade II-listed building.Downs Mail presidentDENNIS FOWLE was there to give his views on the project.


WOW! What an amazing, exciting transformation toMoteHouse, the historic building at the heart of Mote Park’s new independent re- tirement village. Guests at Audley’s opening cer-


emony looked on in awe at all that has been achievedby adventurous, luxurious design inwhat had dete- riorated to little more than a derelict wreck after Cheshire Homes vacated the building. The house will be the social and


health and wellbeing centre for owners of the 100 residences, being opened for over-55s who choose to live in this beautiful part of rejuvenatedMote Park. There are 14 apartments in the


main house, 24 cottages in the walled garden, 10 apartments in the gatehouse lodge and the re- maining homes will be new-builds


Notice board plan A FREE-standing oak notice- board could be installed on Allington Millennium Green, off London Road,Maidstone. Should Maidstone Council accept the application, the no- ticeboard will contain informa- tion on the history of the green; details of volunteer working parties and tasks; and and in- formation of general interest to the local community, such as NeighbourhoodWatch notices.


Thief in court A MAN who admitted stealing food from a supermarket in Loose Road, Maidstone, has ap- peared before Mid Kent magis- trates’ court. Samual Lee Willicombe-Bar-


den, 23, of no fixed abode, was sentenced to 10 days in prison, suspended for 18 months. He was also ordered to attend a thinking skills programme, and to carry out 100 hours of un- paid work.


Ten flats proposed A PROPOSAL has been lodged to change a three-storey office building with semi-basement car park into residential accom- modation at Romney Court, 25 Romney Place, Maidstone. Bridport Capital’s plan, if ac- cepted by Maidstone Council, would see the introduction of six one-bedroom and four two- bedroom apartments.


Driving offences A MAIDSTONE man appeared at Mid Kent Magistrates Court where he admitted driving while disqualified,making offwithout payment, driving without insur- ance and stealing a bicycle. Darren Taylor, 25, of Dickens


Road, Ringlestone, was sen- tenced to 120 days in prison.


24 Town Summer fair boost for Mencap


MP forMaidstone and theWeald, Helen Grant, opened theMaidstone Mencap’s summer fair in Mote Park. TheMPis honorary vice-president of the group, based at MotePark’s CobtreeHall. One of the highlights of the fair in an adjacent field,was a display of dancing by the Cobtree Scottish Country Dancers, who pre- sentedMaidstone Mencap with a cheque for £4,000. Formore information on Maidstone Mencap or tomake a donation, Picture byPeterBrookes


call 01622 670464


or conversions. About 20 proper- ties have been sold, and as the de- lights of Mote House become obvious, interest mounts for prop- erties ranging in price from £310,000 to £565,000. The morning room, library,


restaurant, bar/bistro, and recep- tion areas inMote House are now completed, and soon there will be a health and wellbeing area with indoor swimming pool, exercise room, physio area, hair and beauty salons. The opening ceremony was per-


formedbymayorRoddNelson-Gra- cie, who said: “Iamamazed at the transformation since I lastwalked around a derelict building.” Maidstone Council, which agreed the sale of this site, was thanked by Audley Retirement chief executiveNickSanderson for


its help in ensuring this major proj- ect happened. “It looked so sadwhen I first saw


it,”hesaid. andrecalled thedelays and financial help needed in a very tough economic climate. Early residents said they were


enjoying theexperience,withMote Park as “their garden” and the park-and-ride service to Maidstone centre just a short walk away off Willington Street.


The public will be able to use the


bar and bistro facilities in Mote House, forexampleaspartofaday out inMotePark. Therewillalsobe a limited number of memberships for over 55s wishing to join theAu- dley Club for exercising or relax- ation.


Picnics and events will be arranged for the public during the year and the house will open on heritage open days.


Group’s bid to save woodland


PAPERWORKis already stacking up for a three-week planning in- quiry into proposals to extend a Barming quarry into woodland. Gallagher Aggregates Ltd


wants to extend its Hermitage Lane ragstone quarry into 81 acres of Oaken Wood, which they claim could yield up to 16 million tonnes of ragstone. However, opponents, which include the Woodland Trust, KentWildlife Trust and Natural England, as well as hundreds of residents, say the proposalswill lead to the permanent loss of ancient woodland. Kent County Council’s plan-


ning committee approved the Gallagher proposal on the basis of need. The company said current re- serves would run out by 2015, while the extension would allow quarrying to continue for


a further 25 years and protect the jobs of 300 people. However, the county’s draft Minerals and Waste Develop- ment Framework, a consulta- tion paper covering the next 20 years, says there is more than enough ragstone in allocated sites for the lifetime of the plan. Sarah Cooper, of the Save OakenWoodAction Group, now thinks the inquiry – and the ap- plication – should be shelved to save time and money. Maidstone Borough and Ton- bridge andMalling Councils are opposed to the development, as are Barming, Ditton and East Malling and Larkfield parish councils. The public inquiry, due to start


on November 27,will be a crucial test of the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the Woodland Trust


is campaigning to raise £75,000 to fund its defence. Case officer Christina Byrne


said: “Oaken Wood is home to important, rare flora and fauna. If this application is granted, it would be a catastrophic loss for wildlife. We urgently need pub- lic donations to help pay for ex- pert legal help. No price can be put on the loss of one of our most precious wildlife habitats.” Ancient woodland is land


that has been continually wooded since at least 1600. The soil conditions and undisturbed tree cover have created unique conditions for wildlife. Surveys carried out by Kent


Wildlife Trust have confirmed thatOakenWood is of county sig- nificance. It provides an impor- tant habitat for bats, dormice, reptiles, 37 species of birds and a range of plants.


Invicta House


solar scheme KCC HAS applied to put solar PV panels on three sides of In- victa House, Sessions House Square, Maidstone. The county council uses In-


victa House for office accom- modation and meetings. A supporting statement said


the 210 panels “are not likely to be visible to most surrounding buildings.” Should KCC grant planning permission for the scheme, a public display will allow users to check the performance of the system on LCD monitors.


Flats allowed A PLANNING application for two flats next to 126 College Road, Maidstone, has been ac- cepted.


You can e-mail the Downs Mail — info@downsmail.co.uk


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