Go-ahead for homes at second attempt


MAIDSTONE Council has been urged to improve its sustainability policies by councillors who reluc- tantly agreed to vote for up to 25 newhomes in Headcorn.


Wealden Homeswas given con-


sent to demolishKentCottageand Chance Holding inGrigg Lane and replace itwith a large housing de- velopment at the second time of asking after amendments were made to a scheme that was de- ferred for improvements by the planning committee in June.


From the previous hearing the applicanthadreduced thenumber of homes from 29, vowed to use block paving for all access roads and driveways, and provided fur- ther information on the architec- tural detailing of the homes.


The changeswere enough to se-


cure planning permission despite Wealden Homes showing no com- mitment to meeting level four of the code for sustainable homes – going against Government advice – as the council did not have any policies to force the applicant


A PLANNING application has been submitted for the station- ing of a mobile home in Staple- hurst for temporary occupation of an agricultural worker.


to go above level three.


Cllr Fran Wilson, a planning committee member and leader of the Lib Dem group, said: “While I am still not ecstatic about it, the developer hasdone enough forme not to be able to object to it.


“I wish this councilwould get its


head out of the sand regarding sustainable development. Energy supplies are dwindling but people don’t like solar farms, they don’t like wind turbines and they cer- tainly don’t like fracking.We need to generate our own energy at home and it is high time that this councilwrote its policy to get level four developments.”


Although earmarked for land in


the open countryside and thus contrary to previous councilpolicy, the borough’s inability to satisfy Government requirements for a five-year housing land supply meant the development could not be refused purely on its principle.


Ten members voted in favour


and two – councillors John Wilson andRoddNelson-Gracie–against.


Temporary agricultural residence wanted


The proposal, to be deter- mined by Maidstone Council, is for a three-year stay at New Barn Sheep Farm, Maplehurst, Frittenden Road.


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Sutton Valence School cadets hit the target


SIX Combined Cadet Force (CCF) cadets from Sutton Valence School shot to victory in the National Rifle Associa- tion’s Imperial Meeting at Bisley.


Competing in the GP Rifle competitions, Sergeant Alex Allsebrook, (from Maidstone), cadet Tom Latham (Headcorn), Corporal Harry Pawlik, (Langley Heath), plus cadet Emil Evans, Staff Sergeant Oliver Bateman and cadet Tom Bennett, shot to victory in seven competitions and gained silver in the Grand Aggregatematch. In themost prestigious match,


the cadet champion at arms, Ser- geant Allsebrook beat 546 other cadets to take the trophy, with cadet Tom Latham coming a close second. All the Sutton Valence cadets


were in the top 20 placings and Tom Latham won the Financial Times trophy for the third con- secutive year and was top shot


A STAPLEHURST childminder provides good care, according to an Ofsted inspector. Louise Burgoyne, of Staple


Drive, was said to interact well with children in her care, who made good progress in their learning and development.


Cadet Tom Latham with Financial Times Trophy and Oratory School Cup


in the Oratory School Cup. Alex Allsebrook, who hopes


to be reading history at King’s College, London, soon said: “Sutton Valence has always been successful at shooting, but this is our best year ever. Being in the CCF has given me some of my greatest school memories.”


Staplehurst childminder offers good care


They enjoyed playing in her enclosed garden and visiting the local park for fresh air and exercise. Ms Burgoyne could raise her


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