downsmail.co.uk
Village anger at homes plan for hospital site
ADETAILED proposal for the de- velopment of 177 new homes in Aylesford has gained the approval of planning officials, despite con- tinued opposition from hundreds of villagers. Tonbridge and Malling Council granted outline planning permis- sion last year for the redevelop- ment of the Preston Hall hospital site and the conversion of the Grade II listed hall into 36 apart- ments. The scheme was vehemently op-
posed by the Royal British Legion Residents’ Association, who called it “insensitive and unsustainable” and criticised the number of houses, which was later cut from 318 to 208. A new application by developer Redrow Homes Ltd seeking ap- proval of details for the demolition of former hospital buildings and re- development of a large part of the site was recommended for ap- proval by planning officers. Coun- cillors were due to decide after Downs Mailwent to press.
The proposal includes 53 two- bedroom flats, 12 two-bedroom houses, 31 three-bedroom houses, 66 four-bedroom houses and 15 five-bedroom houses. Most of the homes would be two storeys with five three-storey blocks in the area closest to the M20. A further block of flats and a number of houses are proposed on an area to the south of Preston Hall itself. The plan also in- cludes new roads, play areas and open space. People living in the adjacent
Royal British LegionVillage remain “unanimously opposed” to the
proposal, said residents’ associa- tion chairman John Jackson. Commenting on the latest appli- cation, Mr Jackson, of Heaf Gar- dens, said: “As a community we now hope and pray that finally common sense might prevail and that these ill-conceived and ill-con- sidered plans are rejected in favour of something altogether more sen- sitive and sustainable, and in the best long-term interests of the ex- isting community, and of those who might in future make this vil- lage their home.” Concerns were raised about parking levels, the potential for rat- running through the site and the lack of thought given to medical or school provision. However, planning officer Robin Gilbert said the overall design and layoutwere acceptable. The comments of the residents
and Mr Jackson were noted but could not be considered as they did not relate to the submitted details and the principle of development had already been established.
News Benefit fraud
conviction AN EAST Malling woman was given a suspended jail sentence for fiddling more than £19,800 in bene- fits.
Nicola Stratford (40), of Elm Crescent appeared at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court where she ad- mitted failing to notify the relevant authorities of her change in cir- cumstances. She did not tell Tonbridge and Malling Council that her partner was living with her, and as a result was overpaid £10,075 in housing benefit, £2,138 in council tax benefit and £7,615 in income support. Shewas sentenced to 12weeks in prison, suspended for one year, and will have to repay all the money that she fraudulently claimed as well as £200 costs and a victim surcharge of £80. She was also ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaidwork. Cllr Martin Coffin, Tonbridge
and Malling cabinet member for fi- nance said: “It is only right that those whose circumstances entitle them to receive help and benefits get all they are entitled to. How- ever, those who seek to gain more than their entitlement are commit- ting fraud, and the extra cost falls upon the council taxpayer.”
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