News
Homes scheme ‘may cost us’
THE planning committee has turned down a proposal for six homes in Marden – despite being warned it could cost Maidstone Council money. James Bailey, development man-
ager for the council, told members that refusing a scheme for six af- fordable houses on land adjacent to Highfield House in Maidstone Road would put the council at a “very strong risk of being liable for costs”. He said that, due to a planning inspector backing the principle of development on the land in July last year, losing an appeal was not only highly likely but would be ac- companied by a ruling of “unrea- sonable grounds” that would incur a financial penalty. But councillors maintained that Golding Homes’ proposal, which was backed by Maidstone Council, would set an unwanted precedent of housing development north of the railway line and voted to re- fuse. Cllr John Perry said: “I am new on this committee but I have heard it all now. I am being told I
am being unreasonable yet I am an elected member. It is alright for an officer to attack us butwe can’t say anything to him. My position is ex- actly the same as before.” Councillors argued that more af- fordable housing in Marden was unnecessary, given that in the pre- vious few years the council had al- ready granted permissions for 202 such homes. Cllr Tony Harwood said: “There
is an issue of principle. Maidstone Council has not allowed develop- ments north of the railway line in allWealden villages and because of that it has maintained theWealden feel of only sporadic developments, andwe should stick with that “The great need for local needs housing stretches credulity.” Despite strongwarnings from Mr
Bailey and planning committee chairman Cllr Clive English, the committee voted to refuse. Cllr English said: “We could be hauled up before the local govern- ment ombudsman for maladminis- tration, which could be a bigger cost than for the appeal.”
Maidstone
downsmail.co.uk Parish ambulance criticism
Continued from page one
service again.” Maidstone borough councillor
for Marden and Yaldingward, Cllr Annabelle Blackmore said there were many people in Marden who wanted the air ambulance to re- main in Pattenden Lane. She assured: “I live on the flight-
path for the air ambulance and can confirm that the noise is no worse than passing cars. In addition it is my understanding that the night flights take place from the Blue Bell Hill area. “I would prefer the air ambu-
lance to stay within Marden and it is my understanding that there are a considerable number of residents of Marden village who feel the same as I do.” In his report “Securing the Fu-
ture,” KSSAAT chief executive Adrian Bell said: “We need to find a single base solution if we are to maintain the full 24/7 service our patients need.
“Ifwe are successful in this plan-
ning application, we will see the charity firmly established in the heart of the region with all its key services closely co-located. This will underpin and ensure the long- term resilience and sustainability of the service…and allow us to plan an economically viable service. “Ifwe are unsuccessful in this ap- plication, the long-term viability of this service will be compromised.” Yalding Parish Council has con- firmed that its usual practice is to make no comment on applications to which it does not wish to object.
Ukulele trial
A NEW Wednesday morning ukulele session for beginners is being trialled at the house meeting room in Headcorn Village Hall from 10am to noon. For information, contact Mike
Larkin on 01622 891559 or visit
www.headcornukulelegroup.com
At home bathing/ showering/washing service provided by our bathing assistants in the comfort of your own home
Cost
One/first bath only £10.40 Second bath in the same week £7.50
Privacy and dignity
guaranteed at all times
6 Maidstone South February 2016
7 Mill Street Maidstone ME15 6XW
www.ageuk.org.uk/Maidstone Charity No: 1062733
Please call our office on
01622 753618 to register for the service
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