News
Homes agreed on village site
THE parish council and residents were left dismayed after Maidstone Council’s planning committee ac- cepted an application to build 48 houses north of Lenham Road, Headcorn. Residentswere unhappy that only passing referencewas made to their emerging neighbourhood plan, cur- rently out for public consultation, which would have added strength to their arguments against the devel- opment – and any others which are likely to increase the burden on the sewerage, schools and roads. The borough council’s head of planning, Rob Jarman, told the com- mittee he believed the numerous benefits of the development would outweigh any harm. Cllr Martin Round gave a tongue- in-cheek compliment to the council’s planning department, saying: “I con- gratulate the team on a wonderful piece of town planning – in a rural village! How many three-storey buildings do you see in Headcorn? “In Headcorn, people have green
spaces in front of their houses – their houses do not open onto the road.
This application smacks of town de- velopment and high density. It de- fies belief.” The development includes a “la-
goon” which worried several mem- bers, including Cllr Paulina Stockell whowas afraid the council could be liable if anyonewas to drown. Cllr Richard Thickwas told he could not vote on the item as it was clear he had “pre-determined” the matter and had not come to the meeting with an open mind. Several members took issue with
some of the design aspects, but Cllr Malcolm Greer supported the de- sign in its entirety, including the la- goon, arguing that the River Medway posed more of a danger. Cllr Tony Harwood suggested it
could be developed as a “village pond” which might be safer. Committee chairman Cllr Clive English admitted the application was at variance with the neighbour- hood plan, which wants to restrict developments to no more than 30 units, but the committee voted in favour, in line with the recommen- dation, after a 90-minute debate.
LOCAL artists were among the prizewinners at this year’s Pilgrims Way Artists summer exhibition. More than 30 painters, potters and sculptors fromall over the South East brought more than 350works to the Tithe Barn in Lenham for the 10-day exhibition, which included a day where artists demonstrated their skills and discussed their work. This year’s featured artist, Peter
Robson fromLoose, took the prize for the best watercolour with his piece Busy Day on the Grand Canal. Best work in showwas awarded to
Pauline Appleton, fromLenham,with her painting After the Storm. Two guest exhibitors were
awarded prizes. Best pastel went to Suzanne Norfolk, fromBearsted, with Black Velvet while From Weirton, a piece by Sue Batt (pictured), from
downsmail.co.uk Barn host to art exhibition
Boughton Monchelsea, took first place for best mixedmedia. Nigel Davison from Buckland Hill, Maidstone, took the prize for best drawing in pencil and ink with Dap- pled Light Wings. Headcorn sculptor Jane Richard-
son’s Mermaidwas declared the best figurativework. This is the 18th year that the Pil-
grimsWay Artists have held their ex- hibition in the 14th century barn.
Developer to help homeless
A MAIDSTONE-based building company is raising funds to help homeless and vulnerable people in the town. PersimmonHomesSouth East has announced its support for the Maid-
stone Day Centre for Homeless People, which offers services such as food, skills training and job advice, hot showers and crisis intervention. Jo Richards, head of sales and marketing for Persimmon, said: “The Maidstone Day Centre is an extraordinary facility and you cannot put a price on the support it gives to homeless and vulnerable people.” So far, staff at Persimmonhave organised a collection of toiletries for the centre and have held dress-down days to raise money.
Sail Shades • Solar Films • Blinds • Mesh Insect Screens • Awnings
Is it good value to pay for your funeral before you die?
Yes it is, according to funeral plan adviser, Peter Camrass of Camrass Wills. The cost of funerals has gone up by more than the rate of inflation for many years and shows no signs of stopping. The average cost of a funeral was around £1,200 in 1997 and is now over £4.000 according to the Sun Life Cost of Dying Report. It is expected to increase to over £7,000 by 2024
Peter goes on to say that there are other benefits also.
Cash flow during probate. Very often, the family will not have access to your savings until well after the funeral because Probate, the legal process which takes place after a death, can take several months. This means relatives have to find the money for the funeral from their own funds. If you have a prepaid funeral this difficulty is avoided.
KEEP COOL - REDUCE GLARE KEEP INSECTS OUT – CALL SBI
Funeral wishes in your Will. Even though you have stated preferences in your Will, e.g. burial or cremation, ecofriendly coffin etc., it is up to the executors of the Will to arrange the funeral and they are not legally obliged to follow your instructions. With a prepaid funeral, you have already instructed the funeral director and so your wishes will be honoured.
Peace of mind. Setting up your own funeral plan not only protects your loved ones from rising funeral costs, but also spares them the distress of having to make difficult decisions at an emotional time.
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0800 0742 721
SBIPRODUCTS.CO.UK Maidstone South July 2015
For a free guide to funeral plans contact Peter on 01622 720985
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