News
Waterside Park appeal rejected
THE High Court has thrown out proposals to build an industrial estate on land south of the M20 near Junction 8. After last year’s public inquiry, in
which planning inspector Katie Peerless upheld Maidstone Coun- cil’s decisions to reject Gallagher Properties’ twoWaterside Park ap- plications, the company appealed. However, High Court Judge Jus-
tice Collins upheld the council’s de- cisions. Craig Howell-Williams, representng Gallagher, said being near the motorway made the site suitable for warehouses, despite one of the prospective occupants, ADL, finding alternative premises for its relocation from Marden. Bearsted and Thurnham Soci-
ety’s Mary Richards said: “It is par- ticularly heartening to see that when MBC councillors have the courage to reject planning applica- tions that their officers wish them to grant, and when that decision is appealed, the planning inspec- torate supports it. “When that decision is subject to judicial review and the High Court
upholds it, it shows that coura- geous decisions can win the day.” In his summing up, the judge mentioned the large amount of op- position to the applications. Mrs Richards said: “The inspec-
tor hearing the Kent International Gateway appeal several years ago also commented on the volume of public opposition, so it is clearly worthwhile for the community to make its views known in large numbers in situations of this kind.” The judge ordered Gallaghers to
pay £9,290 costs. The company had 21 days to decide if it wished to issue a further appeal. Mid Kent MP Helen Whately
said: “I have opposed this develop- ment since I was elected [in May 2015] – speaking against itwasmy first official engagement. “We need successful businesses
and jobs in Kent, but Junction 8 – so close to Leeds Castle and the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natu- ral Beauty – is not the right place. “Development around Junction 8
will affect the landscape and par- ticularly the AONB.”
FRIENDS of the Sutton Va- lence branch of the Royal British Legion enjoyed a lunch and good company at the Plough, Langley. Some 25 members at-
tended the event, despite the cold winter weather. Chairman Mike FitzGerald
said: “It was great to see so many young and not so young people sharing a most enjoyable lunch served by friendly committed staff.” A free raffle was held – a
most welcome addition, he said.
Their next event is a coffee morning on Friday February 19 in Chart Sut- ton Village Hall and all are welcome.
Guides’ plea for volunteers
HEADCORN guides have issued a final plea for volunteers to help keep the unit open. The guides meet at Headcorn Methodist Church Hall from 7- 8.30pm on Thursdays. The unit re- formed in November 2013 after a lapse of some years but is in jeop- ardy due to a shortage of helpers. Leader Jess King said: “We are desperate for someone to come for- ward ifwewant to continue.” There are 10 girls in the unit but Jess is not allowed to run the unit
on her own because of the rules around lone working. She said: “I only need one person
on a permanent basis or a rota of volunteers.” She said: “It would be such a
shame to see the unit close due to a shortage of adult help.” If you are over 18 and can spare
90 minutes a week – or even every other week – on a Thursday, Jess would like to hear from you on 07772 390273 or send an email to
Jessie.milton09@
yahoo.co.uk
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