News
Housing cut fails to li threat to villages
MAIDSTONE Council has re- duced its housing target to 18,600 – a figure still high enough for the expansion of villages such as Har- rietsham and Lenham. Latest statistics from the Office for National Statistics, together with new planning practice guidance, mean Maidstone has been able to re- duce its “objectively assessed need” for housing in the emerging local plan by 1,000 to 18,600 homes, which equates to 930 new homes each year to 2031. Harrietsham could gain more
than 400 homes in the next few years, and the council’s draft local plan earmarks 1,500 homes for Lenham by 2031. Planning scrutiny committee chairman Cllr Val Springett, who represents Bearsted on the council, said: “At one time, Bearsted was about the same size as Lenham. Bearsted has been developed – but Lenham has not. The transport and infrastructure are similar and the ar- guments for developing Lenham and Harrietsham are good.”
Latest figures ALTHOUGH officers have identified a need for an additional 960 elderly care home spaces by 2031, the need for extra sheltered accommodation and care homes is included in the lowered 18,600 figure. Previous estimates were based
on figures projecting only as far as 2021, whereas the latest Office for National Statistics figures look to 2037 – well in advance of the 2031 cut-off point.
Although the committee was
united in being appalled by the housing need target, members ac- cepted that some development was inevitable – but they wanted to en- sure itwas carried out where, when and how it was wanted. They were also adamant that residents’ views should be taken into account. Cllr Springett said: “I believe this figure of 18,600 will come down.
Housebuilders will not build if their houses are not selling.” UKIP Cllr Eddie Powell said the figures would need adjustment if, for example, immigrationwere to be halted by border closures.However, Cllr Stephen Munford said he had no confidence in the report, arguing the council should have waited for the revised figures before coming up with its plan. Principal planning officer Sarah Anderton explained it had not been prudent towait andwould have left the council at least six months be- hind in producing its draft local plan.
Members recommended the council give officers full support – as well as additional funds if needed – to enable them to investigate ways of reducing the housing need target figure.
Council leader Annabelle Black-
more said: “We have to make some tough, unpopular decisions and the outcome is not going to be pleasant for everyone – but our children need decent, quality homes.”
Coffee date for
cancer care LAURAHumphrey will swap pint pots for coffee mugs in a charity event at her parents’ pub, The First and Last.
Home-made cakes will also be on
offer at the pub, in Bower Place, Maidstone, during the coffee morn- ing on Saturday, September 27 in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Organiser Laura, daughter of li- censees Cara and Adrian, has been kept busy recently looking after new daughter Bertie aand persuad- ing businesses to donate prizes for the event. These include a luxury night’s stay at Claridges, afternoon tea at Chilston Park and a gift voucher for Souffle at Bearsted Green. Laura said: “We have been given
lots of fantastic prizes and Bertie will be there too, so I’m sure she’s going to be a star attraction.”
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