Data centre gets planning approval
CONCERN has been expressed that a re- cently approved application at a high-secu- rity data centre next to the Vinters Park Nature Reserve could make the noise situa- tion worse. Computer Sciences Corporation, located
off Lodge Road next to Maidstone TV stu- dios, has appealed against a noise abate- ment order served by Maidstone Council. The Pegasus Place site hosts a detached
office building used as a computer data and storage centre housing sensitive informa- tion, including NHS records, on behalf of the Government. The 24/7 operation re- portedly produces a humming noise that
disrupts the sleep of residents in Bargrove Road. The application to remove the roof of a transformer enclosure and slightly increase the height - from 6.1m to 6.245m - of an acoustic screen would, according to the ap- plicant, help reduce the noise levels. Maidstone’s environmental health officer
said he was “in no position to disagree” with CSC ’s assertion that allowing the transformer to be in the open would actu- ally reduce the noise by five decibels as it would stop internal reverberations from being heard through a fan. But Cllr Tony Harwood said: “I don’t un-
derstand how you can take a roof off a building and it’s not louder.We have heard it before that the noise will not get worse. “I suggest that the residents have been
fully vindicated in their complaints now the enforcement investigation is underway. The noise is insidious and pervasive.” Cllr Clive English said: “The information supplied in the past has turned out not to be accurate. The applicant talks about the evolution of the design but what that means is that they got it wrong and are trying to put it right. How do we prevent setting our- selves up for an almost guaranteed planning enforcement action sometime in the fu- ture?”
Development control man-
ager Rob Jarman urged commit- tee members to judge the application on its merits: “What’s happened in the past is gone. The main issue is whether taking the roof of this transformer enclosure is going to increase the noise. Our envi- ronmental health officer says no.”
The application was passed
by seven votes to four, with two abstentions.
Home extension debate results
Guides’ 100th birthday finale
ends fun year A MASSIVE marquee at the- County Showground hosted the local finale of Girlguiding UK's centenary celebrations. A total of 2,240 Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and senior section members from across the Kent Weald sang their an- niversary song, One Voice, as well as all-time favourite Ging Gang Gooly before they re- newed their promises. It was all timed to happen at
20.10 precisely on 20.10.2010 (October 20). County commissioner Carole Hardy said: "Over the past 12 months, Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and senior section members have enjoyed special centenary activity days, sleep- overs, carnivals, parties and camps. "We wanted to give every girl
in ‘cooling off’ MAIDSTONE Council has taken the unusual decision to activate a “cooling-off period” over a decision to refuse a plan- ning application in Loose. At the previous meeting, the planning committee granted permission for the rear of a ter- raced home in Randalls Row, High Banks to be increased by 4m in width, 2.5m in depth and 3m in height. However, it deferred listed building consent as the officer report was unclear. After a more detailed report, council- lors wanted to refuse but were told by development control manager Rob Jarman that their reasoning was not strong enough to defend at appeal. After an hour-long discus-
a 'mountain-top moment' this year and the finale event at Detling did just that.”
The evening concluded with
a spectacular fireworks display. Pictures:
ww.shooterz.co.uk
sion, it was agreed to activate the cooling-off period for only the third time in about eight years to enable officers to come up with more suitable wording. This was due to come up for committee consent at the next meeting.
24-hour gas request MORRISONS has applied to allow compressed natural gas vehicles to arrive and depart from its supermarket in Sutton Road, Maidstone, on a perma- nent 24-hour basis. Last No- vember, Maidstone Council’s planning committee permitted the arrangement for a one-year trial period, which has now ex- pired.
Furnishing home MAIDSTONE Council has granted planning permission for the conversion into a one- bedroom dwelling of County Furnishing Centre, at 21Water- loo Road,Maidstone.
32 Town You can e-mail the Downs Mail —
info@downsmail.co.uk
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