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Concern at plans for greenfield sites
COUNTRYSIDE campaign group CPRE Kent has objected to the high number of inappropriate, un- sustainable greenfield sites identi- fied for possible development in the council’s draft local plan. It is also concerned that Woodcut
Farm, Bearsted, continues to be put forward as an employment site. Gary Thomas, chairman of CPRE
Kent Maidstone Committee, said: “It is disappointing that Maidstone has set such a high housing target of 18,560 homes, the consequence of which is the number of inappropri- ate and unsustainable sites which could change the character of many villages and communities, aswell as lead to the loss of greenfield land and important agricultural land.” CPRE Kent says the same con-
cerns apply to Woodcut Farm as did to the controversial Kig application a few years ago and, more recently, Waterside Park. He added: “It is a greenfield site
in an inappropriate location; it is a working farm adjacent to ancient woodland; and it will result in en- croachment into the open country-
side. It is not easily accessible by cycle, rail or bus and is remote to the Maidstone urban area. It is also con- trary to government planning guidelines. “We are dismayed that Maidstone continues to put forward this area as an employment site, despite the rul- ings of planning inspectors and the strong campaigns and arguments against development here.” With regard to housing, the group
is opposed to the concentration of sites in Boughton Monchelsea, where five sites, three of which are greenfield, have been allocated for a total of 173 homes. It has also objected to a number of
sites it says are unsuitable, being be- hind houses, including land south of the Parsonage, Marden, land to the north of Henhurst Farm, Staple- hurst, land next to The Windmill pub in Hollingbourne and Brandy’s Bay, SuttonValence, which it says is already over-developed. The next stage of the local plan
will be further consultation before the final draft of the plan is pre- sented to an inspector.
Swimmers boost charity
MAIDSTONE Riverside Rotary Club has held its first SwimRelay at Maidstone Leisure Centre. With the support of the Maidstone Leisure Trust and Serco, which manages the pool, more than 100 swimmers in 24 teams were sponsored to swim as many lengths as possible in 30 minutes. Teams came
from schools and clubs and ranged in age from seven to 90. They raised sponsorship from friends, families and colleagues, based on the number of lengths swum. Prizes were
awarded in several categories including most lengths and most money raised. The event is
expected to have raised more than £7,000, half of which will go to Children in Need, with the other half going to charities nominated by the participants. BBC Radio Kent presenter JohnWarnett was the commentator on the
day and prizes were presented byMP Helen Grant, who promised to swim herself next year and to try to enter a team of MPs. Event organiser Clive Bradburn said: “We are so pleased with the
fantastic response from the teams, both in the fundraising and their participation.We had most of our Rotary Club helping as officials and marshalls, along with some of their partners.We hope to see them all back next year.”
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