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downsmail.co.uk Homes agreed on vote refusal


THE refusal of the chairman of the planning committee to use his casting vote led to a proposal for 115 homes in Coxheath gaining planning permission. Hillreed Homes’ proposal for 72 homes and 43 extra care apart- ments in Clockhouse Farm, south of Heath Road and opposite Geor- gian Drive, split the committee, with six votes for and five against. Had Cllr Clive English (right), chairman of the committee, voted against it would have been refused but he instead abstained.


THE magic of Motown is heading for a Maidstone restaurant to raise funds for a West Farleigh-based children’s charity. The Mulberry Tree in Boughton Monchelsea is hosting the evening on Friday, April 24, in support of Dandelion Time, whichworks with local disadvantaged children. Tickets are £40 per person in- cluding a glass of Biddenden fizz, followed by a three-course meal. The Magic of Motown duo will per- form party songs from the 70s and 80s. There will also be a raffle. To make a reservation call 01622 749082.


Themeeting heard that a petition containing 1,209 names – about half of the population of the village – had objected to the scheme, with concerns includ- ing traffic, loss of agricultural land and the effect on grade II listed dwelling Clock House, 50m south


of the site. However, Coxheath Parish Council was in favour of the


scheme because it complies with its emerging neighbourhood plan. Representative John Hughes


said that his main concern was that section 106 developer contri- butions should be earmarked to improve and perhaps expand the village primary school, rather than the school proposed for the Lang- ley Park development in Sutton Road.


Councillors agreed, and in- cluded this as a condition. Cllr Richard Ash, a member of the com- mittee, said: “If you move to an


area you have a right to send your son and daughter to the primary school you live near. To have to ferry your children to Langley Park is unacceptable.” Cllr Tony Harwood’s concerns


were in vain, as Maidstone Coun- cil’s lack of a five-year land supply restricted the committee’s ability to turn down the scheme. He said: “I really don’t think we


are protecting the setting of Clock House, and the spread of ribbon development along Heath Road is causing harm to the village.”


Charity magic Villagers raise £80 for scam victim


BIG-hearted locals have dug deep to help an elderly lady in Yalding who had cash snatched during an audacious doorstep scam. The perpetrators turned up at


her house in Medway Avenue on pension day, claiming they were looking for counterfeit money which had been erroneously handed out at the village post of- fice.


The woman, who is in her 70s, produced her pension which the scammers snatched. Rachel Curley, proprietor of the


village tea rooms, launched an on- line appeal to raise funds to re- place the cash, raising £80 in a matter of days. She said: “Thank you to every-


one who donated money. At the request of those close to the lady involved we have bought a ham- per of day-to-day goodies and de- livered it, along with a note ensuring that she knows her friends in Yalding care.” Rachel said: “Although Neigh- bourhoodWatch sends out warn- ing messages by email and the


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parish has a facebook page, not everyone – especially the elderly – uses computers. “Pleasewarn any elderly or vul- nerable neighbours who do not re- ceive the bulletins not to be taken in by anyone they do not know. Use a doorchain when opening the door and call the police on 999 if in doubt.” Following information gleaned


from the CCTV camera in Med- wayAvenue, three men have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and theft.


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