East April 2015

News

downsmail.co.uk Planning merger ‘was a mistake’

THE merger of Maidstone’s plan- ning service with those of Tun- bridge Wells and Swale has caused teething problems for all three local authorities. Planning deadlines have passed, decisions have been delayed and the backlog of work has seen the new shared service groaning under the pressure. Now, an independent review

has branded the entire exercise a mistake, with some councillors favouring a return to the former system. The Mid-Kent Improvement

Partnership was formed in June 2013 and the united planning serv- ice went live in August that year. But the Mid-Kent Audit Service

claims the merger merely caused extra work, application backlogs and has resulted in a lack of cus- tomer confidence. The shared schemewas meant to

save about £150,000. Cllr Derek Butler, next year’s deputy mayor, has already been seeking residents’ advice in Boxley ward. He told the parish council: “This

went ahead when it shouldn’t have done so. It wasn’t really pre-

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pared properly.” While he said Maidstone Coun-

cil had been critical of the new service, the two other local author- ities were even less impressed, adding: “The intention may even be to go back to how it was.” “It appears that some of the

other shared services that have been introduced have been quite good. They have saved money.” But he added: “ I am not so sure

that the planning one has saved money at all. Itwasn’t thought out properly.” Other shared services include re-

fuse collection, auditing, licensing and legal services. Some of the teething troubles

have now been resolved after the appointment of a project sponsor and manager, and Maidstone is hopeful of being back on track soon.

Boxley parish clerk Pauline Bow-

dery believes the new system is more transparent than the previous system, as responses can now be seen online. One problem was that the help

desk had been taken away at the Gateway, so it was harder for peo-

ple without a computer to access the system. Parish and borough Cllr Wendy Hinder said another problem was that some of the officers had no local knowledge. A spokesman for Maidstone Council said: “There were a num- ber ofwell-publicised issues during implementation and we apologise to everyone whose applicationwas delayed. Lessons have been learned andwe are looking to improve per- formance.” He said there were currently no plans to revert to the old system.

Duck race to help young people

THE public are invited to sponsor a plastic duck in a charity race along the river in Maidstone, with the chance of winning £1,000. Sponsored ducks will be put in the Medway at Whatman

Park on April 12, with prizes awarded to the first 10 across the line. The fund-raiser is the first of its kind to be staged by

Young Kent. Ducks can be sponsored for £2, with the money helping to support children and young people across the county to realise their potential. Spectators are invited to see them off at 1pm. To sponsor a duck visit www.youngkent.org.uk

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