News | Junction 7
downsmail.co.uk Shopping village plan rejected
THE proposal to build an out-of- town shopping centre off M20 Junction 7 has been comprehen- sively thrown out by councillors. Land Securities’ scheme for Newnham Court would have seen the introduction of more than 28,000sqm of retail space – about a third of that in Maidstone town centre and twice the size of Frem- linWalk. Members of Maidstone Council’s planning committee sided with of- ficers, who felt the introduction of aWaitrose, Debenhams and 17 re- tail units would be detrimental to the town centre.
The proposal
Waitrose: 2,744sqm, north-west of site. Debenhams: 5, 584sqm, south- west of site. Notcutts: replacement store, 4,513sqm, north-east of site. Retail units: 10 new and seven replacement, 16,128sqm, southern and eastern frontages. A3 café/restaurant: serving cus- tomers of retail park, centrally lo- cated. Converted oast house and exist- ing pub retained. 900 pay and display car spaces.
Cllr Tony Harwood, a member of
the committee, said: “The proposal could not be more brutal, any more cramped, nor overbearing.” DTZ, Maidstone Council’s retail consultant, said the schemewould reduce trade in the town centre by 11.3%, much higher than Land Se- curities’ estimate of 2.97%. The council’s draft local plan earmarks the land for 15,000sqm of retail space. Cllr Gordon Newton, a member
of the committee, said he had un- dertaken a survey and found that there were 31 shops and eight charity shops unoccupied in the
town centre. He said: “Whywould we want to damage the town cen- tre through this abhorrent pro- posal? “The damage to the town centre
would be irreversible. Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Marks & Spencer have all put their faith in the town centre.” Land Securities argued that the scheme would create 1,500 jobs and stop the chain stores going elsewhere. Cllr Mike Hogg, a member of the committee, supported the pro- posal. “Notcutts is a shanty town,” said Cllr Hogg, who previously
worked at the garden centre. “Staff have to work in freezing temperatures in the winter. “There aren’t units large enough
in the town centre for Debenhams andWaitrose.We have set a prece- dent with a new Next opposite [given planning permission last year] and if we refuse it will go to an appeal, whichwould more than likely be won.” But only Cllr Malcolm McKay agreed with Cllr Hogg and voted against the motion to refuse the ap- plication, which was passed through the support of eight mem- bers of the committee.
Objectors voice concerns In support
KCC strategic: said landscaping enhancements were needed. Town Centre Management: felt it would harm town centre. The Mall: said it would compro- mise refurbishment plans. Fremlin Walk and Broadway: owner Nathaniel Litchfield said the applicant underestimated trade diversion from town centre. Solum Regeneration: claimed it would hinder supermarket regen- eration scheme at Maidstone East. Medway Council: concern over
SAPPHIRE CARS 01622 663000 Maidstones Local Taxi Service
www.sapphire-cars.com
For All Your Local Journeys
z Airports z Ferryports z Stations z Available 24-7 z All Drivers are CRB checked
z 6 Seater Vehicles z 8 Seater Mini Buses z VIP Chauffeured Mercedes
z No Extra Charge After Midnight
Luxurious, Executive Business Travel
Sapphire Cars provides a
24-hour V.I.P. & Executive luxury chauffeured car service for corporate clients. We guarantee discretion, reliability and professionalism providing an impeccable standard of service to companies and private individuals throughout Maidstone and Kent. Experience first-class travel, allow us to greet you at a location of your choosing and whisk you away in style, comfort and total safety.
All our taxi drivers have been vetted and , licensed by Maidstone Borough Council and have passed a council test of their knowledge of the local and surrounding area. All our taxi drivers are also issued with a unique ID number, so that we know who is driving our taxis at all times.
24 Maidstone Town July 2014 New Memorials
Tablets, Plaques & Vases Cleaning,
Renovation & Restoration Safety Inspections
Memorial Insurance Arranged
Free Brochures Telephone 01622 762482
01233 636500 01795 436178 2 Sutton Road Maidstone Kent ME15 9AH 68 Kent Avenue Ashford Kent TN24 8NQ Howt Green Bobbing Sittingbourne Kent ME9 8QP
impact on Chatham town centre. Hempstead Valley: fears of nega- tive impact on shopping centre. CPRE Protect Kent: argued it would harm Kent Downs AONB. Kent Wildlife Trust: said it would harm local biodiversity. Veterinary hospital: concern over disturbance and pollution. Parish councils: Boxley and Detling voiced traffic fears. Neighbours: Concerns include parking, congestion, disrespectful to Vinters Park Crematorium.
Ten letters of support emphasised the economic benefits and said it would en- courage people to shop in Maid- stone instead of Bluewater, Lakeside and Hempstead Valley.
Kent Highway Services was happy with the proposed traffic improvements, which included dualling Bearsted Road and off-site bus priority signal upgrades in Ashford Road.
Monumental Stonemasons Est. 1973
NAMM, BRAMM & NAMLC Registered
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48