Showman’s plan for winter quarters fails
TRAVELLING showman Shel- don Whittle has lost his plan- ning battle to set up a winter quarters for fairground people on a field at Leybourne. The controversial project has
been turned down following a five-day public inquiry last Sep- tember and October. Mr Whittle lodged an appeal
after planning permission for the plot next to theA228 at Cas- tle Way was refused by Ton- bridge andMalling Council The proposal involved a change of use to a travelling show people’s site with mobile homes and caravans, new fenc- ing, new access off the A228, sewage treatment works and parking for lorries, vans, fair- ground rides and machinery. It was heavily criticised by
local residents over concerns of over-development, pollution, traffic congestion and wildlife implications for neighouring lakes. The inspector did not accept arguments by KCC that the use would be detrimental to high- way safety, but supported the case by Tonbridge and Malling Council that, although the ap- plicant needed a site, the devel- opment would harm the
character and appearance of the area. In the 15-page decision, the inspector also considered other arguments, such as the close vicinity of a stream, the impact on wildlife and the liv- ing conditions of the residents, but did not feel they should stand against the proposal. He felt, however, given the lo-
cation of the site and its exten- sive road frontage, the local harm to the landscape would be “substantial” and could not be mitigated by landscaping. David Thornewell, chairman
of East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council, said: “I am pleased the inspector has refused the appeal as the site is outside the built-up area and however well landscaped, it would have a detrimental effect. “I am surprised the KCC ob- jection was not upheld, as the access would be on to the busy A228 but the case appears to have been partly undermined as there was no objection from the Highway Agency, who are re- sponsible for nearby junction 4 of theM20. “It shows once again how dif-
ficult it is to get proposals turned down on highway grounds.”
Alfie
Draper before and after he had his head
shaved to raise £500 for his school’s pool
Alfie’s cool look for pool
A CURLY-haired Snodland teenager has had his head shaved to raise funds for his school’s swimming pool. Alfie Draper (14), of Mary Last Close, who has cerebral palsy, epilepsy
and also suffers from impaired vision, attends Valence School, a special school in Westerham. A keen Chelsea supporter who likes music and wants to be a television presenter when he leaves school, he has raised at least £500 towards the pool. His sister, Sandy Steele (29), a hairdresser who lives at Holborough
Lakes, Snodland, cut his locks in front of family, teachers and pupils. MumLulu said the head shavewasAlfie’s idea, and he had been grow-
inghis hair sincebeforeChristmas. About£500hasbeenpledged so far and she is hoping formore. Despite the coldweather, she says Alfiewill notwear a hat “because he is so proud of it”. Before transferring to Valence Schoolwhen hewas 11 years old, Alfie attended SnodlandCofEPrimarySchool, wherehehadone-to-one teach- ing in what Lulu described as awonderful school. Headteacher atValenceSchool,Roland Gooding, said: “Weare thrilled
that Alfie has chosen to do such a selfless thing to boost our appeal. While we wouldn’t normally approve of our pupils shaving their heads, we were prepared to make an exception, as it was shortly before the school holidays. Alfie is a terrific teenager and is aninspiration to us all.” Alfie was featured in Town Talk in March 2008, when he was treated to a holiday in Disneyland, Paris, by the Starlight Foundation, a charity which grants the wishes of seriously and terminally-ill children.
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