Fant by-election Appeal success


Maidstone council’s planning and legal teams have won some important planning appeals in recent months defending Maidstone’s countryside from harmful development.


In the six months up to the end of September the council won 83% of all appeals against its decisions to refuse applications.


Most notable were 22 dwellings at George Street, Staplehurst, 12 at South


Lane, Sutton Valence and 4 at Back Lane, Boughton Monchelsea. In each case the inspector supported the council’s policies to protect the countryside, finding that the harm to it would outweigh the need for more housing in the borough.


The inspector also upheld the council’s decision to refuse a 56,000 square metres application for a warehousing and industrial complex at Waterside Park, Hollingbourne.


Council tax and services


Did you know Maidstone Borough Council services cost an average, band D, taxpayer £4.53 week!


And out of every council tax pound - 71p goes to Kent County Council, 15p goes to Maidstone Borough Council, 9p to Kent Police and Crime Commissioner, and 5p to Kent Fire and Rescue (excluding parish council precepts).


Councillor Matt Boughton (Conservative) was elected as councillor for Fant ward at the by-election on 10 September. You can contact him at MattBoughton@maidstone.gov.uk or on 07795 192042.


The political make-up of the council remains Conservative 25, Liberal Democrat 20, Independent 6, Labour 2 and UKIP 2.


Maidstone Borough Council 3 News in brief


Christmas Opening Hours Maidstone council’s offices, Gateway reception and telephone contact centre will close at 12pm on Thursday 24 December for the Christmas break. They will be open as normal on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 December 2015 and will be closed on Friday 1 January 2016.


Easy health rides for all Cycling can make a positive change to your health. Community Cycleworks offers guided rides with supportive, encouraging and friendly leaders for new and returning cyclists. Short, gentle-paced rides, free bike checks and loan bikes available on application.


To register and for more information contact Community Cycleworks - 01622 804524, info@communitycycleworks.co.uk, www.communitycycleworks.co.uk


Solar panels


We’re pleased to report that the solar panels installed at our depot in March have been a great success, generating more energy – and therefore saving more money – than expected. We’ve therefore extended the project to the other buildings that we own –


Peter Pan


Join the Hazlitt Theatre for this year's amazing pantomime production of Peter Pan!


Fly to Neverland where you'll join Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy, John, Michael and the Lost Boys - not to mention Captain Hook!


If you believe in magic then you won’t be disappointed, with family fun, laughter, plenty of slap-stick and a star-studdded cast that will have you up on your feet - and don't forget to boo, will you!


You can't beat this family treat so book up for your ride to Neverland today!


Tickets from £12 – call the Box Office on 01622 758611 or visit www.hazlitttheatre.com


Lockmeadow Market Hall, Vinters Park Crematorium and Magnolia House in Cripple Street. This will save the council around £16,000 each year. We are also looking at whether solar panels can be installed at Maidstone Leisure Centre.


Waste success Maidstone council’s Commercial Waste service has signed up its three hundredth customer. Maidstone Borough Commercial Waste Solutions supports small and medium sized businesses with a bespoke waste collection service. It provides waste management services for events such as the World Custard Pie Championships and the Bearsted Village Faye. Visit the commercial waste pages on www.maidstone.gov.uk for more information or to get a quote.


Christmas Lights Maidstone’s Christmas lights switch on event will be on Thursday 19 November.


Christmas at Cobtree All the family will enjoy making Christmas decorations from traditional materials at Cobtree Manor Park, Aylesford on Monday 21 December, 10am - 12pm. Call 01622 602788 to book, £3 per person.


Christmas market Father Christmas will visit Maidstone Market on Tuesday 22 December. Don’t be late for turkey sales! The market will be open as usual on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the festive period except on Saturday 26 December when it will be closed.


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