News
‘Urban sprawl’ fears for farm
RESIDENTS have raised concerns about the future of a large stretch of farmland bordering housing at Kings Hill. The land, which is an active
farm with orchards, has been la- belled “Kings Hill North” in Ton- bridge and Malling Council’s call for sites for its local plan review. The site, which stretches from
Well Street in East Malling to the boundary of Manor Park Country Park, was proposed by Kings Hill developer Liberty Property Trust as suitable for housing. It is one of hundreds in the process of being evaluated by planning officers. However, residents say the list-
ing is misleading as the correct name is Broadwater Farm, and have contacted East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council. Chair- man David Thornewell said: “I ac- cept there is a need for more land for houses but I am worried that calling it Kings Hill is misleading. “If Broadwater Farm were to be
developed for housing, it would spoil the green wedge which sep- arates East andWest Malling and Kings Hill. This area provides somewhere for people towalk and
enjoy the countryside with its old buildings with the springhead at Well Street and the orchards.” He said Kings Hill was devel-
oped on the basis that it would be a separate community with its own facilities, adding: “I am sure none of the three local villages want to be submerged into vast urban sprawl.” The Broadwater Farm site in- cludes two conservation areas with listed buildings and a net- work of rural lanes and public footpaths. Trudy Dean, chairman of West Malling Parish Council, said itwas pressing for the whole area to be included within the Green Belt to ensure that Kings Hill, West Malling, East Malling, Leybourne and Larkfield remain separate communities surrounded by pro- tected countryside. “Building at Broadwater Farm would make that protection very muchweaker,” she added. Tonbridge and Malling Council
said that under the process laid down by central government, it was required to use the names put forward by proposers.
downsmail.co.uk
Curator June Frickleton and paper sculptor Stephen Larking with the paper swan
Eye-catching art on show
A LARGE paper swan, a series of works by an award-winning sculptor and paintings of the cosmos are among the eye-catching artworks on show at Kings Hill in the development’s Control Tower. Paper sculptor Stephen Larking’s giant bird and bronze and steel sculptures by Brigitte Evill, as well as Patrick O’Donnell’s detailed paintings of the stars, feature in the exhibition. The display is part of Kings Hill developer Liberty Property Trust’s placemaking and broader cultural strategy, which places art and culture at the heart of the community. The Control Tower exhibition is open between 9am and 5.30pm,Monday to Friday, until midMay. Art is also being shown in the office buildings in Kings Hill, including sculptures of giant fruit by Dick Budden. Details of each artist together with an example of their work are listed at
www.kings-hill.com.
Man given first aid after bin fire
A60-YEAR-OLD man suffering the effects of breathing in smoke was given first aid by firefighters following a small fire in a bin at a flat in Rectory Close, Snodland. The man was taken to hospital by ambulance.
PINIONS PET FOODS
Open 7 days a week
Monday – Saturday 9.00am until 5.30pm Sunday 10.00am until 4.30pm
Fishing baits & accessories
431 London Road, Ditton, Aylesford, Kent
www.pinionspetfoods.co.uk 01622 718580
There is plenty of free parking right outside. 8 Malling March 2016
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