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Parking issue ‘does not exist’


A PLAN to paint double yellow lines preventing parking along Armstrong Road has come under fire from residents – and council- lors. A report from Kent Highway Services to Maidstone Joint Trans- portation Board claimed the pro- posals, originally suggested in 2013, had been modified after talks with councillors. But they disagreed, saying they


had no knowledge of the plans. Residents also claimed no refer-


ence had been made in the report to a petition signed by more than 50 people vehemently opposed to the parking ban. Instead, the officer’s report listed just six objections to the plan. KCC’s Michael Heath said he


knew nothing of a petition, and claimed in his report: “The limited off-street parking in Armstrong Road is frequently over-capacity and this does lead to extensive and sometimes obstructive on-street parking. Local members and coun- cillors have been proactive in seek- ing to address these issues and the


proposals are felt to offer a sensible compromise. “Keeping clear sightlines at junc-


tions and accesses, as well as the approach to a zebra crossing, are felt to be essential.” But residents at the meeting ar-


gued: “You are trying to resolve a problem that does not exist. You are merely taking away parking that is already there.” Cllrs Rob Bird, Brian Clarke and


Clive English said they were not aware of the proposal and the board voted to defer a decision on Armstrong Road until proper con- sultation had taken place. Cllr FranWilson said she recalled


a site visit some time ago and said the revised plan, with yellow lines along both sides “did not marry with whatwe discussed”.


News Planning system review


MAIDSTONE is having to look again at its planning shared sup- port service. Chaos reigned after the council formed a partnership with Swale andTunbridgeWells, with appli- cations being stockpiled and de- layed, and the appointment of a dedicated officer to unblock the log-jam of paperwork. Although procedures have im-


proved, all three councils are meeting to discuss the way for- ward, which could mean one or all reverting to their previousway


of working. Maidstone’s chief executiveAl-


ison Broom told the cabinet that the team as a whole had “contin- ued to improve” but, the combi- nation of staff holidays over Easter and an increase in the number of applications received, had resulted in yet another in- crease inwaiting times for valida- tion. A meeting was due to be held


between the three local authori- ties onApril 22 to discuss theway forward.


Flats changes Bowls invitation


CHANGES have been proposed to an accepted development of 14 flats in Maidstone town centre. Planning permission has been granted for five one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom flats through the conversion of retail storage space at 11Week Street and aware- house at Rose Yard. A new scheme suggests im-


provements such as basement stor- age for each flat, amenity green space, better disabled access and secure bicycle storage. Maidstone Council will decide.


WESTBOROUGH Bowls Club is holding an open day from 2pm to 5pm on Saturday, May 9. Visitors can try the game at the club in Cloudberry Close, off Buckland Lane, Maidstone and flat-soled shoes should be worn. Refresh- ments will be provided.


Home scheme


KIT Fong has applied for retro- spective planning permission to convert 94 King Edward Road into a house of multiple occupancy. Maidstone Council will decide.


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