Protesters’ plea to protect woods
PLACARD-waving protesters piled into the bluebell woods off Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, to mark their opposition to the pos- sible destruction of a patch of an- cient woodland. Developer Croudace has gone
out to public consultation on a plan for housing, amenities and a school on the site, with access roads through part of the wood, currently enjoyed by children, dog-walkers and residents. The LibDems claim the pro-
posal contravenes national and local planning policy and the site should be retained for public pleasure. Jasper Gerard, LibDem
Council’s gypsy blow Continued from page one
Planning agent Brian Woods sought approval “having regard to the clear opinions of the two inspectors allowing permanent permissions due to the need for gypsy/traveller sites in the bor- ough. Our client and his family are part of that need.” In October the council identi-
fied a need for four new pitches up to 2017, once capacity in Coldharbour was taken into ac- count. Following the two ap- peals, the need was for one additional pitch. Beside Sunny Paddock, the borough has one other gypsy site, in Offham,with temporary planning permission.
woodland should be thrown out. “The council’s own Inventory
parliamentary spokesman for Maidstone and the Weald, said: “The Government’s National Planning Policy Framework is clear in demanding that any ap- plication that damages ancient
VOLUNTEERS could soon be driving elderly, ill and disabled people in theMalling area, thanks to a proposed £1,000 grant from Tonbridge and Malling Council. The council’s communities and
health advisory board would offer the cash to Voluntary Action Maidstone (VAM), which pro- vides other volunteering services in the Malling area and already runs a successful driver scheme in Maidstone. According to a report to the ad-
visory board by council chief ex- ecutive Julie Beilby, the service would help vulnerable people
of AncientWoodland shows this site to be a remaining fragment of Kentish wildwood. “Research by the Liberal De- mocrats shows it was here since at least 1600, and quite possibly since the end of the Ice Age. Not only is it achingly lovely, it con- tains valuable wildflowers and wildlife. “To build over itwould be van- dalism; it would also break na- tional planning rules.” Dozens of people signed a peti-
tion against the destruction of the wood. LibDem Cllr Tony Har-
keephospital and health appoint- ments, go shopping and make other essential journeys. VAMalready has a small num-
ber of voluntary drivers in the eastern part of Malling, so serv- ices there could begin immedi-
ately.Arecruitment campaign for more drivers is being launched and the scheme could be fully op- erational across the Malling area in three to six months. Ms Beilby acknowledged there
were other small scale or spe- cialised volunteer driver schemes in the Malling area, including West Kent Community Care (for-
Maidstone Grammar Sch ool for Girls
Invites You To
Our Summer 11+ Open Mornings Wednesday
ay, 3 rd and 17th July 2013 from 9.15am until 11am.
Established since 1888
Guided tours of the school will be availabl e throughout the mor ning when you will have the opportunitty MGGS.
Future dates for your diary: 11+ Open Evening
Tuesday
Buckland Road Maidstone Kent
ME16 0SF
www.mggs.org
central@mggs.org 01622 752 103
8 Malling
To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 M onday
ay 15th Octob e r from 6pm until 9 pm. Our Autumn 11+ Open Mornin gs
y 21st, Tuesday 22 nd and Wednesday October 2013 from 9.15am until 11am. We lo ok forward to welcoming you. ay 23rd y to experience the unique e t hos and atmosphere at
wood, who sits on the planning committee, said: “If local Conser- vatives are stating thewood is not going to be destroyed, why did their own cabinet vote for a de- velopment configuration thatwill inevitably lead to its destruction? Myfield studyhas shown that the proposal would so fragment and damage the wood that its beauty and bio-diversity would be lost.” Mr Gerard said: “We just want
to save the woodland for future generations to enjoy and for its wildlife to survive. The strength of local feeling was clear for all to see. I hope verymuchthe council will listen.”
Volunteer drivers scheme for Malling
merly Age Concern Malling), but the lack of a “general” scheme that could be used by a wider va- riety of people was a “cause of local concern”. VAM chief executive Charlotte Osborn-Forde said: “Our Maid- stone scheme has gone from strength to strength and we are confident that in time, we could offer a similarly effective service in Malling. If you can spare a cou- ple of hours to drive, please get in touch. Expenses of 45p per mile are covered.” Contact danny.hewis@vam-on-
line.org.uk or 01622 762403.
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