News
Concerns fail to stop homes plan
A PROPOSAL for 62 homes in Headcorn was given the go-ahead by Maidstone Council’s planning committee. The planning application for land
west of Mill Bank in Maidstone Road drew objections from 26 resi- dents who were concerned about issues such as foul water drainage, flooding, traffic congestion, loss of agricultural land and pressure on the village’s infrastructure after other new developments nearby. Cllr Richard Thick, ward mem-
ber for Headcorn, told the commit- tee: “The ring of development around the north and east of Head- corn is totally changing the village. Opposite this we have 200-plus houses going in. “This is a lot for a small village
like Headcorn to support. It is an unsustainable development be-
cause people will have to use their car to get to Maidstone. “The surgery says you can only
have an appointment in twoweeks’ time. You could be dead or cured by then.” However, committee member
Cllr Tony Harwood emphasised that preventing such developments would be fraught until the council’s local planwas adopted. “If we refused we would lose it
on appeal,” he said. “This is a very good application; it is avoiding lin- ear development along the A274 and creates a hedgerow across the frontage that is a visual full-stop on a semi-natural site on the northern edge of the village, so creates a boundary. I hope this is a line in the sand for the area.” Seven committee members were in favour, with six against.
Jailed for supermarket thefts
AYALDING manwas jailed for a series of shoplifting offences. Josh Drewett (24), of Lughorse Lane, admitted taking coffee worth
£140 from a supermarket in Loose Road, Maidstone, on four days in December, and £50 of groceries on another occasion. He was sen- tenced to 30 days in prison with £85 costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
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downsmail.co.uk Historic move for town
A SERIES of historical interpretation boards has been erected in the county town to help connect locals and visitors alike with Maidstone’s past. The panels, developed by Maidstone Council and creative signage specialists FitzpatrickWoolmer, were unveiled by the mayor, Cllr Daniel Moriarty, at the start of English TourismWeek. Also present were representatives of Maiden Distillery, based in The
Old Brewery, who gave a short presentation and tasting showcasing the 200-year-old gin distilling heritage of the area. The panels
provide a glimpse into Maidstone’s compelling history, with colourful representations of events offering insight into times past. Cllr Moriarty
said: “Whether it’s 14th-century Peasants’ Revolt led byWat Tyler, the legacy of gin distillation that thrives to this day, or even the ancient trade routes established with Rome during the conquests of Julius Caesar, the evolution of Maidstone and its residents ensures that the culture of the region is as rich and fascinating as any other. “To be able to unveil these magnificent panels is a great honour, and I
hope that residents and visitors take the opportunity to learn more about the compelling cast of characters that has defined not only Maidstone, but history itself.” The council hopes the panels, which recount some of the key moments in local history, will encourage people to take a closer look at the cultural significance of the region.
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8 Maidstone South March 2016
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