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News Backlog aer planning merger


THE merger of three borough council planning departments is not working well so far, Maid- stone Council has admitted. Applicants have been disrupted


in their attempts to submit propos- als and details of applications have not been appearing online, making it difficult for members of the pub- lic to comment. The Mid Kent Planning Support Service started operation in May, incorporating Maidstone, Swale


and TunbridgeWells councils. The planning support manager, Ryan O’Connell, has written to parish councils, councillors, businesses and other organisations to apolo- gise for poor service. He said: “We are doing every-


thing possible to manage the back- log of work as quickly and efficiently as possible. “Whilewe expected some delays


at the start and took measures to minimise disruption, the technical


difficulties we have experienced have been significantly greater than anticipated.” The three councils have increased staffing levels to deal with the backlog that began after the merger and Mr O’Connell said the situa- tion was improving. But he ac- knowledged that “a significant number of planning applications will run over their targets”. However, he promised that con- sultation periods will run for the


statutory period of time as the serv- ice did notwant to limit the public’s ability to comment or risk decisions that were challengeable due to an unlawful consultation period. The new Mid Kent Service was implemented to save money. It is based in Maidstone House in King Street and planning officers remain in their own boroughs. It combines the work of administration, land charges, scanning, validation and technical teams.


MP gets knighthood aer resigning Nursery praise


MID Kent MP Hugh Robertson has received a knighthood – just a week after standing down from the Government’s cabinet to spend time with his family. He will be made Knights Com- mander of the Order of St Michael and St George to honour his work during the London 2012 Olympics. The busy former foreign minis-


ter was in Beirutwhenthe reshuf- fle was announced. His resignation was posted on his website’s home page, telling


David Cameron it now “feels like the right time to take stock with my family”. Hewent on


to say it would be un- fair on the Government and his “ex- cellent team at the Foreign and Com- monwealth


Office to remain the minister for The Middle East, North Africa


Learning Spotlight Bourne Musicians Music Classes


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and counter terrorism, without being totally focused onmy job”. He added: “It has been a gen-


uine privilege to serve in your government,” noting his time as minister for sport and the Olympics during London 2012 as a highlight. Mr Robertson’s personal assis-


tant in London said: “All the trav- ellingmeant that he had little time to spend with his family and so he asked the Prime Minister to let him return to the backbenches.” See Mail Marks, page 27


STAFF at Pennies Day Nursery in Hockers Lane, Weavering, are cele- brating after recommendations from parents on the website daynurseries.co.uk placed the nurs- ery amongst the top five in the South East.


The nursery achieved an average rating of 9.9 out of 10. Operations director Dominic Scotton said: “The really positive element for us is that this score has come from 47 ratings. “To do so well from nearly 50 rat- ings is unusual. I’m really proud of our staff and the effort that made this possible.”


COME AND HAVE FUN AND MAKE NEW FRIENDS Babies and children aged 3 months to 5 years QUACKERS CLUB


Established for 17 years and set in the grounds of North Borough School, Maidstone


For Ages 4-11 • After School till 6pm


We offer a pick up service from St Pauls and Sandling School Holiday Club 8am-6pm


For more information phone or email us on


07989 840188/07989 840057 • quackersclub@blueyonder.co.uk


W.I Hall, The Street, Bearsted


Fully qualified Staff providing excellent care and education


Part of the ‘FREE for 2 scheme’’ (offering funded places for eligible 2 year olds)


art of the ‘F (off


Fully funded spaces for 3 & 4 year olds Safe & secure free-flow garden Large onsite car park


For further information or to view the pre-school call Amanda Wesson 07944 275 459


E:spbusybes@gmail.com wwwbusybees@stpetersbusybees.org.uk ybees.o


8.45am - 12.30pm (Term time)


Mon, Tue, Thur & Fri


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We encourage and develop the skills required for school by learning through play, in a friendly, stimulating and happy environment.


Mon-Fri 9.15am-12.00 term time with extended sessions for older children


Toddler Group Wed 9.45am-11.30am


OFSTED INSPECTED registered charity no. 1014449


Contact Kate on 07803 979317 www.3bearspreschool.org


Maidstone East August 2014 21


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