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Retail plan for ex-council site
A PLAN to build a supermarket and petrol station on the old county council offices site at Springfield Park in Maidstone have been re- ceived by Maidstone Council. Although no firm taker has been identified, applicant Augur Buchler Maidstone Ltd says there is “definite interest” in the speculative applica- tion for the site off theA229 – a major “gateway” to the north of town. Its proposals for the 2.1-hectare re- dundant plot feature a 5,503 sqm two- storey food store, café, filling station and parking for 315 cars – most un- derneath the store. The development also incorporates room for a GP sur- gery and three potential independent retail units, in response to requests from residents. MDA Associates’ Mary Davidson
said on behalf of the applicant: “We have worked hard to ensure the ap- plication meets everyone’s needs, in- cluding residents whowanted the site opened up after years of being behind boards. “There is a lot of interest in the
plans and that’s whywe have pushed ahead with them and would hope
they could be approved by April.” She said the development package recognised that most of the big super- market chains want their own filling station and expected it to be taken up by one of the bigger names. Initial plans for housing, off Mon-
cktons Lane, Ringlestone have been removed from the application. A pond would be created in the
only part of the site falling within the flood plain, near the river, where there is a risk of flooding. Access to the site, which still has permission for housing and offices, would be off the roundabout for the Kent History & Library Centre. The county council left the site in 2001. The site was bought by Augur Buchler Maidstone Ltd in May 2013.
News Childminder outstanding
A CHILDMINDER from Maidstone has earned top marks from Ofsted for the second time. Kathleen Bourne, who runs Maidstone Aunties Childminding from her home
in Bower Street, has been rated as outstanding by an inspector. The 59-year-old, known as Aunty by her
charges, joked: “Obviously, my maturity and experience is a good thing!” Kathleen, who is pictured with Alex
Griva, fromPenenden Heath, said: “I’m so chuffed. It’s really good to be appreci- ated for all the hardwork I put in with the children. It’s a job I adore.” The Ofsted report said: “Children have
a very strong relationship with the child- minder, who they turn to for support. “They are keen to engage in activities
with her, enjoying cuddles and comfort when required. Children flourish in a warm and welcoming environment." Kathleen, who has two grown-up chil-
dren of her own, set up Aunties in 2010 after years working with youngsters for KCC. She restricts her intake to just three children, aged up to eight, although she is licensed to look after six. Kathleen said: “I think six is too many children to give them the level of care I want to give.”
Flats ‘would keep options open’
BRACHERS has applied to convert one of its London Road branches into 13 flats. The solicitors’ firm received plan-
ning permission for an identical scheme at No 81 in March 2005 and December 2010, but the consent has lapsed and another one is required.
A supporting statement said Brachers had no intention to under- take the development but wanted to keep its “options open in the future”. The company’s head office is in Somerfield House, in London Road, Maidstone. Maidstone Council will determine the planning application.
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Maidstone Town February 2014 3
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