News
Townhouses turned down
MAIDSTONE Council has refused a planning application to build five townhouses on the site of St Luke’s Medical Centre, Maidstone. The outline scheme to replace the medical centre, at the junction of Hol- land Road and St Luke’s Road, was previously deferred by the planning committeeover a lack of parking,and this groundwas used by Cllr Martin Cox to have it turned down in a later meeting. He argued that the lack of off-street spaceswould be detrimen- tal to the street scene and have a neg- ative impact on the quality of life of existing and new residents. Another groundwasaddedbyCllr
Tony Harwood, who argued that the density of theschemewould be detri- mental to the area. Although the committee voted to
refuse the scheme, with 10 out of 13 votes against, planning officer Peter Hockney felt the grounds were not strong enough to prevent defeat at appeal, so ordered a three-week “cooling off” period before the pro- posal returns to the committee. However, after the meeting appli-
cant Peter Szwedziuk withdrew the application. Cllr David Naghi, a local ward member, had claimed that Mr Szwedziuk would revamp the scheme to include parking if it was turned down. Mr Szwedziuk hopes to sell off the medical centre for housing as it is merging with the Marsham Street Surgery at the former NFU Mutual Building in Albion Place.
Anenduring music appeal
By Dennis Fowle
THEenduring appeal of Maidstone Amateur Operatic Society was evi- denced again at the Hazlitt Theatre with a sell-out Tuesday perform- ance of Half a Sixpence. The society has been staging big musicals in Maidstone since 1898 – the remarkable list of shows is recorded in the programme – and deserves its loyal local following. The showwas largely written for
pop star Tommy Steele when first staged in theWest End in 1963 (the film followed in 1967). Most music is not as well known as many con- temporary shows and this pre- sented a challenge for the society. But it does have “Flash, Bang,
Wallop, What a Picture” and the cast twice sang and danced their hearts out. Shawn Deamer, a stu- dent at Canterbury Christ Church University, took the role of Arthur Kipps and teamed up well with childhood sweetheart Ann (Steph Beeken has such a lovely voice). Itwas a massive team job on and
off stage – the society is so impor- tant to Maidstone’s cultural life.
28 Maidstone Town June 2014
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Breeze blockwall could land neighbour in court
ANEIGHBOURS’dispute over awall that doesn’t comply with planning conditions could lead to a court case.
In March 2012, Maidstone Coun-
cil granted planning permission for a side and rear extension at 85 Boughton Lane, Maidstone, on con- dition that the extension was ren- dered to match the existing building to protect the character and appearance of the local area. Instead, the applicant had used
breeze blocks on the northern flank (pictured) that he offered to paint white – a notion rejected by the planning committee, who refused an application to discharge condi- tions by seven votes to five. Peter Hockney, principal plan-
ning officer, said: “The next step will be a breach of enforcement no- tice over non-compliance of plan- ning conditions. If this is not complied with, the next course of action would be prosecution at
magistrates’ court.” Mr Hockney had urged council-
lors to allow permission, citing the lack of harm the wall was causing to the local area. He added that the applicant had struggled to gain ac- cess to render the wall. But Cllr Derek Mortimer, a local
ward member who referred the ap- plication to committee, said: “I have visited numbers 83, 81, 79 and
Pub celebrates ale award
GLASSES are being raised at the Stile Bridge pub, Marden, which has been voted Maidstone CAMRA’s Pub of the Year for the second time in three years. The pub/restaurant, at the foot
of Linton Hill, gained the top slot in 2012 soon after Marc Hoffman (right) took over as manager. It narrowly lost out to the Flower Pot inMaidstone in 2013, but is back in the No 1 slot this year, putting the Flower Pot into second place. Judges concluded: “The
standard was very high, with both pubs scoring well and maintaining a good selection of beers in excellent condition. Facilities in the two pubs have been improved and both charge very reasonable prices.” The Stile Bridge will now compete with branch winners fromWest and
East Kent – including the former owner of the Stile Bridge Matthew Rudd, who now runs theWeald Windmill near Sevenoaks. In CAMRA’s Club of the Year competition, Marden Village Club
defeated the previous winner, Teston Club, and will face branch winners fromWest Kent in the next round. CAMRA judges base their scores on a number of factors over several
visits. At least five real ales are usually available at the Stile Bridge, plus proper ciders, lovingly cared for by Marc.
Flats plan agreed
A PROPOSAL to convert an office building into 15 flats at Romney Court, Romney Place, Maidstone has been approved.
In March 2013, planning per- mission was granted to turn the building into 10 flats. Maidstone Council says the latest scheme can be allowed through a notice of prior notification.
Trees to be axed
THE go-ahead was given to remove eight trees in Dallas Cottage, Salts Lane, Loose. Conservation area consent was granted to fell four rhus, two elder, one hazel and an ash tree, as well as crown lifting a beech tree to 6ft. Maidstone Council recom- mended that the applicant installs replacement planting and trees.
77 Boughton Lane and there is a real impact on these properties. These neighbours have objected. “If painting the breeze blocks
was approved it would be detri- mental to the character of the area and set a precedent for similar fu- ture applications. “I cannot understand how the
other finishes of the extension works have been rendered and painted as per the approved appli- cation but this one, which is viewed by many residents to the north of the property, is left unfinished.” Cllr Mike Hogg did not take part
in the vote out of protest. “It is only a wall, what’s the big issue”, he said. “I am disgusted that Cllr Mor- timer has called this into commit- tee, wasting £1,000-plus of taxpayers’money.”
Custard pie date
ORGANISERS of a wacky charity day say they are as “keen as cus- tard” to get it underway. The annual World Custard Pie Championships for 2014 will be held on Saturday, May 31, at Cox- heath village hall, starting at mid- day and culminating in the great Battle of Pies during the afternoon. Teams of four can enter at
www.worldcustardpiechampi-
onship.co.uk or call Cllr Brian Mor- timer on 07803 909 191. There is an entry fee of £40 per team of four.
Tea shop plan
AFARMshop in the Royal Star Ar- cade, Maidstone could be con- verted into a tea shop. A planning application has been lodged to turn PJ Farm Shop into Judd’s Kitchen and Tea House, serving fresh leaved teas and tradi- tional tea shop items and foods. If permission is granted by Maid-
stone Council, it would seat about 50 guests over two floors, with sales space for related items.
Robber dies in jail
DEVON Dobson (47), formerly of John Street, Maidstone, died of can- cer while three months into a 20- month sentence for a robbery he carried out at a service station in Wateringbury. Previously his friend, Peter Tomlin, was discov- ered dead in his Maidstone flat.
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