News
Lane preserved as homes agreed
CAMPAIGNERSbelieve a step for- ward has been taken to prevent more housing in Barming, despite the go-ahead for up to 80 homes on greenfield land. Maidstone Council’s planning committee granted consent for the development on land south-west of Oakapple Lane, on condition that its main access will be from Hermitage Lane. Oakapple Lane will remain rural in character, with entry from here to the development restricted to pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles. This pleased local borough Cllr
James Willis, who believes it will help prevent a development of 240 homes, proposed in Maidstone Council’s draft local plan, on land further west of Oakapple Lane known locally as the pea field.Ape- tition set up to prevent housing on this land had reached 100 names as wewent to press. Cllr Willis said: “Preserving Oakapple Lane as a footpath means the pea field development is less likely. This is one area that needs to come out of the local plan. It is next
to ancient woodland [Fullingpits Wood] and access is difficult.” The campaign to prevent the de-
velopment also has the support of Independent Cllr Fay Gooch. The 80-home schemewas praised
by members of the committee. Cllr Tony Harwood said:“We have seen other transition urban edge areas across the borough lose their hedges and rural character. This needs to re- main a local character corridor.” Barming Parish Council and eight objectors criticised the scheme. The parish council had concerns about traffic, drainage, the loss of a “valu- able green lung” and bringing resi- dential development closer to operations at Hermitage Quarry. The committee also agreed that planting and other landscaping fea- tures should be introduced to deter access into the ancient woodland by cats and other domestic animals. The development, which includes
40% affordable housing,was agreed in outline form, with details to fol- low. Copies of the petition are avail- able at Barming Fish & Chips, 382 Tonbridge Road, Barming.
downsmail.co.uk Chloe in Britain’s top 15
A YOUNG businesswoman from Maidstone has been placed in the top 15 of Britain’s beauties. Business and management
graduate Chloe Davis (21) was awarded the title of Miss Kent, putting her into the finals of Miss Great Britain. A former student of Cornwallis
Academy and the University of Kent, Chloe, from Downswood, took part in the contest in November. She said: “I was thrilled to finish
in the top 15 out of 50 girls.” It could be some weeks before
Chloe finds out her final placing but she had special thanks for her sponsor Allied Fabrications Ltd and also Bridal Gowns at Jodi for providing her evening dress, as well as Chris White for his photography. Before taking part in the event, Chloe raised £95 through a
Charity cards MAIDSTONE’S multi-charity Christmas card shop has moved from the town centre to Union Street Methodist Church. It is open Monday to Saturday (11am-4pm) until December 19.
charity boot fair and cake sale, for the Rainbows hospice for children and young people. She said: “The experience has
been incredible. I havemade some fantastic friends.”
Youth club YOUNGSTERS aged from 11 to 15 are invited to the Salvation Army’s youth club. It is open on the first and third Fridays of each month at 74-80 Union Street from 7-9pm. Entry is £1.50.
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Maidstone Town Xmas 2014
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