News Homes plan


turned down CLARENDON Homes has been blocked from building 12 homes at South Belringham, South Lane, Sut- ton Valence. The developer had reduced the number of units from 17 but Maid- stone Council felt the scheme would erode the openness of the area, harm the Greensand Ridge Special Land- scape Area and conservation area. The parish council raised an objec-


tion, believing it would have an ur- banising effect on this part of South Lane.


ClarendonHomessaid: “Although greenfield, the sites lies within an area characterised by development in the form of the adjacent equine buildings, residential development to the south and north and the per- mitted commercial site immediately north.”


Scout leaders


STAPLEHURST Scout Group ur- gently needs new leaders, assistants and helpers for all sections - Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. Anyone who is interested should


call group Scout leaderPaul Brooker on 01580 891207 or chairman Bill Best on 01580 893133. For more details, go to www.sta- plehurstscouts.org.uk.


downsmail.co.uk


Controlled growth ‘vital for economy’


CLAIMSthat Maidstone is “closed for business” after its refusal to grant permission for development near J8 of the M20 have been re- futed by councillors on all sides of the chamber. The planning committee has re-


fused two planning applications for WatersidePark – the proposedware- house and commercial business park near J8 – leading to claims the council has scant regard for the eco- nomic needs of the borough. Labour’s Cllr Paul Harper said:


“The local economy has been under- performing since 2008 compared to large parts of Kent and the South East. More and more residents have to look for work outside the bor- ough.Nowit looks like the borough is shut for business.” But Cllr Gordon Newton, speak-


ing for the independent group, said: “Maidstone is not closed for busi- ness.We used to have an automotive industry, breweries and papermak- ing, but times have changed and these jobs have turned into some-


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28


www.downsmail.co.uk Maidstone South December 2014


thing else. Tourism is now the town’s fastest- growing industry.” Council leader Annabelle Black-


more said: “We do want Maidstone to grow – but not uncontrolled.We have no intention of wrecking the green space, but growing the econ- omy is very impor- tant.” As the Downs


Cllr Paul Harper


Mail went to press the cabinet was due to consider a motion referred from full council calling for the council to help


companies whichwant to find an al- ternative site within the borough, or improve the infrastructure to their current sites; ensure the local plan is “pro jobs” and adopts policies op- posing the loss of employment land. Cllr Harper said the Labour group


was concerned at the potential loss of jobs if companies such as ADL and Scarab were to leave the bor- ough.


Both are based in Marden but had


hoped Waterside Park could offer them a bigger space from which to operate. Patrick Golding, operations man-


ager at Scarab Sweepers in Marden, claimed the planning committee had been “more concerned with politics and playing to the gallery” than con- sidering the town’s economy, a view strongly refuted by Lib Dem leader Cllr FranWilson. She said: “The planning commit-


tee is governed by strict rules and there is a protocol. We do not pull out the whip and each member makes up his or her own mind. It was a dreadful dilemma. This is an iconic landscape but economic de- velopment is vitally important.” Property consultant GVA has claimed J8 is the only area in the bor- ough that can fully meet future em- ployment demands, which led two scrutiny committees to accept the principle of employment develop- ment in the area, but only with asso- ciated safeguards.


Recruitment


Does your job involve all expenses paid trips to London? What about football games at Wembley? Theatre trips?


No? Well our Support Workers do this on a daily basis.


Broadham Care are recruiting for the following in Staplehurst Senior Support Worker £17,000pa (£8.72 per hour) NVQ 3 Support Workers £15,000pa (£7.69 per hour)


There’s lots of opportunity for career progression with us. The role involves supporting our clients who have learning disabilities. There are rewards for exceptional performance, meals provided, and three grades for salary enhancements.


We provide full training and support with NVQ’s.


You will need excellent communication skills, a caring personality, with patience and understanding.


Please call 01883 732211 or email hr@broadhamcare.co.uk


To view our homes, visit www.broadhamcare.co.uk


PROMOTE YOUR EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPENINGS


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