News Villagers’ bid


to save shop Continued from page one premises listed as an asset of com- munity value but have not given up their battle to save the shop, ac- cording to spokesman Colin Davies. He told the annual parish meet-


ing: “The threat to our village shop is the same as the threat to village shops everywhere – and the fact the building is more valuable as a house. “To obtain planning permission,


it needs to be argued that the busi- ness is not viable, butwe are confi- dent we can keep the shop for the village and a competent shop- keeper could make a go of it. “Our village will not have the


same character and identity if the shop closes.” Mr Davies said a consortium of


investors had offered to buy the building for an undisclosed sum – but “at a reasonable market price”. He said the only remaining op-


tionwas for villagers to oppose the planning application lodged by Mr Coyle for a change of use. The neighbouring Swan Inn has already been given approval for conversion to a house and Mr Davies said: “We must make sure that change of use is refused if we want to keep our shop.”


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WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY 3.00pm —6.00pm


Heard about our exciting Enrichment activities?


 Now come along and try them out for yourself!  Open to parents of primary school pupils & Academy students


 Purchase vouchers at the academy when you arrive then choose your activities - and buy items from our stalls!


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St Augustine Academy, Oakwood Road, Maidstone, ME16 8AE 01622 752490 


downsmail.co.uk


Residents vowto fight plan for expansion


SUTTON Valence has vowed to fight against designation as a larger village in Maidstone Council’s draft local plan. Along with residents in Yalding,


who are fighting a similar battle, the parish council says it has nothing in common with places such as Cox- heath, which is also proposed to be a large village. The parish council’s response to


the plan challenges proposals in six key areas: planning and develop- ment; open spaces; youth and recre- ation; businesses and schools; roads and transport and community and seniors. Six committees are being


formed to look at each area.Anyres- idents who would like to be in- volved should contact the parish clerk. Cllr Barry Armstrong told the an-


nual parish meeting that Maidstone had identified Sutton Valence as a larger village based on the fact it had buses, a mobile library, three pubs, two GP surgeries, a primary school, pre-school and church – and Sutton Valence School. But he pointed out: “The presence


of SuttonValence School has little or nothing to do with the educational needs of local children.” He said the Greensand Ridge had


been designated a landscape of local value and a proliferation of new housing could only be to its detri- ment. He added: “We are in support of


small, disparate sites, with well-de- signed housing, but the parishes have been marginalised.” Fourteen potential sites have emerged in and around Sutton Va- lence from Maidstone Council’s lat- est call for sites, including several in Chartway Street and South Lane, land around Old Bellingham Hall, Warmlake BusinessPark and land to the west of Young and Partners’ Garage at PloughWents.


Calendar boost to children’s charity


MONEY raised from calendar sales in Boughton Monchelsea has been handed over to a local charity. A photographic competition was organised at last year’s Boughton Monchelsea Village Fete and entries used to produce a 2014 calendar. A pound from the sale of each calendar was donated to Friends of Shelby Newstead, which supports sick children and their families. David and Sally Newstead are pictured receiving a cheque for £80 fromAngelaWhybrow. This year’s village fete, from12.30pm on June 14, will continue to sup-


port the Friends of Shelby Newstead and also the Anthony Nolan Trust. Formore details, visit www.boughton-monchelsea-pc.org.uk.


‘believe in more 10 Maidstone South June 2014


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