Homes set for concrete plant site


A LARGE housing development is set to be built on land in Tovil that was once ear- marked for a large concrete crushing plant. Three years ago recycling firm SBS lost an appeal decision to convert a disused paper recycling centre in Straw Mill Hill into a fa- cility that would process 90,000 tonnes of buildingwaste per year. Now applicant Pinden has been given out-


line planning permission to build up to 113 new homes on the same land. They would comprise 45 one-bed flats, 10 two-bed flats, 36 two-bed houses and 22 three-bed houses. Despite voting for the proposal, Cllr Tony Harwood said: “I have concerns that we are losing another employment site in Tovil; I think mixed communities work a lot better.


Harm charge


dad faces jail A FATHER from Park Wood found guilty of fracturing his baby boy’s skull was due to return to court for sentenc- ing.


Brian Calcutt (40), of Shortlands Green, was warned by a judge at Maid- stone Crown Court that he could face time inside after the case was adjourned for reports on September 12. Calcutt was found guilty of causing grevious bodily harm with intent by a jury after he denied the charge. The child has since recov-


ered.


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18 Town To contact Downs Mail just phone 01622 630330 “This site is tucked away and would have


made a good site for a business park; instead we are seeing business parks springing up in the shadow of Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and rural places, like Marden. “This could be a grim setting for housing in


terms of getting to the site and topography. This will need superb design to help the quality of life of residents.” Local ward Cllr Mike Hogg was unhappy


with the Section 106 agreement with the de- veloper, who on completing the development will pay £95,000 towards improvements at medical centres inTonbridge Road, Boughton Lane, Brewer Street and Coxheath – but not in Tovil, because it does not have one. He said: “Tovil and the Southward is being


flooded with developments, but at present our nearest surgery is in College Road, which is in High Street ward. I don’t see why this money should be spent on surgeries not serv- ing the local area.” Planning officer Chris Hawkins said this el-


ement of the Section 106 money would be lost if it was not spent on supporting existing surgeries. Cllr Fran Wilson, a committee member, said: “It takes nine days to get a doc- tor’s appointment at College Road. It is a dreadful situation and we need to start lob- bying to get a medical centre in this area.” The committee voted unanimously in favour of outline permission. Construction work would not be able to begin until a full planning application is accepted.


John retires as firm marks 50 years


WHEN Maidstone construction consultancy Evans & Langford marked its 50th anniversarywith a reception at the Orangery, Turkey Mill, it also marked the retirement of the senior partner, civil engineering consultant John Evans, of Yeoman Lane, Bearsted. The business was formed by John’s father


Jack and Lewis Langford, and for most of the time it has been based at offices in King Street,Maidstone. John (pictured),whojoined the business30


years ago, has handed over management reins to present partners Simon Robertson and Eamon Stafford. The business has been involved in many


major Maidstone area projects including Aylesford Newsprint, refurbishment of the Archbishops’ Palace, design- ing Knightrider Court, Victoria Court and Stacey Street. Itsmany projects also include restorationadviceonCanterburyCathe-


dral, CanterburyChristchurchUniversity, DoverHarbour cruise terminal, Tonbridge Police Station and several churches.


Sycamores get


protection MAIDSTONE Council has acted to prevent works taking place to two sycamore trees in the car park of Monckton Drill Hall, College Road, Maidstone. A conservation area planning application had been submitted to crown reduce the trees by 30% “due to interruption to TV/radio reception from neigh- bouring properties,” according to the planning application. But the council has decided


to impose tree preservation or- ders on the sycamores, saying they make “a positive contribu- tion to local landscape quality and visual amenity”.


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