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‘Rules change’ delayed homes
MAIDSTONE Council has blamed “rule changes” for turning a parish council’s plan for affordable village homes into a fiasco. In last month’s Downs Mail, Stockbury Parish Council claimed the borough’s planning policy blocked its efforts to build eight homes in The Street – turning its well-intentioned plan into a seven- year struggle. Parish councillor Chris Porter ac-
cused Maidstone Council of “ac- tively frustrating” its efforts by refusing the plan for the site, chosen by one of its own planning officers. The development was finally ap- proved on appeal. The parish council also ques-
tioned the borough council’s policy for selecting tenants, which, it said, paid little regard to local applicants and left candidates in the dark. But a borough council spokesman
said: “After the site was selected, planning policy changed. Rules about where affordable housing could be locatedwere much stricter andwe feltwe had to refuse the ap- plication because of the lack of serv- ices and public transport. “When a planning inspector dis-
agreed,weworked closely with the developers and the parish council to bring forward a new planning ap- plication, which was approved in 2012.” He said tenants chosen for the
homes had to be on Maidstone Council’s housing register, andwere kept informed. He added: “Our housing alloca-
tion scheme changed in 2013, re- quiring residents to have a clear housing need aswell as a local con- nection to get onto the council’s housing register. Unfortunately, not all of those who applied for this de- velopment met this criteria. “Of the eight properties, seven
were allocated to applicants who had a local connection to the parish. “The remaining property was al- located to an applicant with a local connection to a neighbouring parish, in accordance with the Sec- tion 106 agreement for the develop- ment. “With our support, including an £80,000 capital contribution to part- fund this development, we have worked with parish councils to de- liver 141 affordable homes in nine parishes over the last 20 years.”
car and van mot testing at mc truck & bus maidstone
NOW OPEN: Plus we can also offer: Open Back in swim at village pool
SWIMMERS have been soaking up the summer sun at Lenham’s outdoor pool, which is open again after a three-year break. Lenham Swimming Club, which formed 35 years ago and made use of
the pool in the grounds of Swadelands School, has resurfaced after get- ting into difficulty in 2010 because of health and safety requirements. After a promotional campaign by Lenham Primary School and with new
volunteers receiving training, thanks to The Hatch Charity, the community pool is now back in business. Chris Hills, chairman of Lenham Swimming Club, said: “My sincere
thanks to all our volunteers, many of whom are new and several have been involved with the club since it was formed. “Some have sacrificed annual leave to undertake a lifeguard course
(NPLQ) and others have undertaken emergency pool rescue and first aid training at the pool.” The first open day attracted 40 swimmers. Chris added: “It brought a tear to my eye seeing the pool in use once
again and lots of fun was had by all. Everyone seemed to enjoy the af- ternoon – both in the pool and spectating. One swimmer even learned to dive for the first time.” The pool is open from 2.30-4pm on Saturday and Sunday and 6- 7.30pm on Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday until the end of August. Membership forms can be completed when you attend for your first
swim.
At MC we know how difficult it can be to fit in your MO T so we’re open early til late 5 days a week and from 6am to 12 noon on Saturdays.
So why not give us a call to book in your MO T for a time that suits you? Our customer service team are on hand to take your booking.
Call our Customer Service Team on 01622 238488 or e mail: tracey.butler@mcgroupltd
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.co.uk MC Truck & Bus Maidstone
Beddow Way, Aylesford, Kent ME20 7BT
www.mcgroupltd.co.uk
Maidstone East August 2014 9
Monday - Friday 6am - 10pm Saturday
6am - 12 midday
• Class 4,5 & 7 • Pre MOT inspection • Roller brake test • Steam cleaning • Headlight Adjustments
All to VOSA standard.
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