News
Church centre homes approved
A PLAN to convert St Mary’s Church Centre at West Malling into three homes, with another in the grounds, has been approved. Tonbridge and Malling council-
lors gave permission for the scheme at a packed planning committee meeting which heard from five res- idents about their concerns. The proposal includes transform-
ing the main building into three homes, demolishing an air raid shel- ter and toilet block and constructing a four-bedroom house on land in Churchfields. Residents were concerned about
lorries using the narrow road and an increase in traffic once the prop- erties were occupied. It was also feared that the four-bedroom house would obscure views of St Mary’s Church. However, KCC Highways raised no objection to the scheme and councillors heard it would not affect the setting of the grade II listed church. Built in 1854, the former National
School buildingwas an infant/junior school until 1975 and was then oc- cupied by a pre-school until 2014. It has stood empty since then, and the parochial church council submitted
a planning application in October last year. West Malling Parish Council backed the conversion in principle but objected to the number of five houses originally proposed, and raised concerns with the design and potential safety issues. Parish Cllr Richard Selkirk, who spoke on be- half of 100 residents, said many felt the sitewas being overdeveloped. The Rev David Green said: “What
we are most concerned to do is to ensure a sustainable future for the building that is an important land- mark to many residents in West Malling. We are pleased that the committee has approved our appli- cation because it means we now know that should the PCC sell the building to a developer, a viable scheme that safeguards the building is in place.”
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 specialist 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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