News | Local plan
Decision expected on J8warehousing plan
MAIDSTONE Council’s determi- nation to protect land near M20 Junction 8 from new warehousing was being tested as Downs Mail went to press. The cabinet decided that two
sites, either side of the A20 south of the motorway,would be retained as open countryside in the draft local plan, despite both being subject to planning applications. However, one of the proposals, Gallagher Group’s Waterside Park scheme south of the A20, was due to be determined by the planning committee aswewent to press. Waterside Park has already at- tracted Marden-based companies Scarab Sweepers and ADL, who have both threatened to leave the borough if they aren’t allowed to re- locate there. It was understood that council-
lors on the planning committee, some of whom are on the cabinet, were concerned about such eco- nomic implications if the applica- tion was refused and were considering giving it the go-ahead. Several greenfield sites selected by officers in the draft local plan
Credit: Daniel Savage
large shortfall in its allocation. Campaigners opposed to devel- opment at Lilk Meadow were de- lighted to see the site removed from the draft local plan. But spokesman Fiona Marriner
Lilk Meadow in Bearsted
have been removed from the list of possible housing locations, includ- ing Lilk Meadow at Cross Keys in Bearsted and land atWare Street in Thurnham. However, Cllr Tony Harwood, deputy leader of the Lib Dems, said: “As Maidstone Council has neither a ‘five-year land supply’ nor an up- to-date local plan it has no robust policy defence against any specula- tive greenfield applications. “The scale of the 19,600 target and
the absence of any local policy safe- guards to prioritise regeneration over greenfield development sites leaves me very pessimistic for the future of our countryside. The cabinet voted for a further
call for housing sites and for gypsy and traveller pitches, as it still has a
said: “We won't be satisfied until the site is officially listed as being unsuitable and the stated flood zone areas 2 and 3 are recognised as being essential to the environment.” The planning application by Country House Developments to build 39 homes on land between Cross Keys and Sutton Street has been withdrawn but will be resub- mitted to satisfy concerns about layout raised by council officers.
THE Lib Dem members of Maid- stone Council boycotted the plan- ning scrutiny committee meeting to discuss the proposed sites. Lib Dem spokesman Ian Chitten-
den said: “Through attending this meeting we would condone and dignify a process and document whichwe utterly and totally reject.” Committee chairman Cllr Steve McLoughlin, a Conservative, said: “They have failed to represent their constituents’ views.”
downsmail.co.uk
MailMarks DENNIS
FOWLE DownsMail President
Absence will
harm group MAIDSTONE Lib Dems
failed in their duty to the local public by boycotting Maid- stone Council’s committee scrutinising the draft local plan. Many Lib Dem councillors contributed powerfully to the difficult task of drafting the much-needed local plan. Some Lib Dems may not like all the proposals – and the place to fight those corners started with the scrutiny meeting. This was abrogation of polit-
ical responsibility on a key local document. The public ex- pects much better. But are the Lib Dems more
intent on trying to score politi- cal points with elections pend- ing? This decision can do them immense harm.
More details on the local plan 36-37
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