downsmail.co.uk Traffic ruling Continued from page one


impact on traffic conditions at the Swan junction would be severe and without effective mitigation, the impact on the highway network would be unacceptable. “The proposed development


would have a severe adverse im- pact on the highway network, in terms of congestion and inconven- ience to residents and other road users, and on the strategic trans- port planning of the area.” Mr Clark also said the proposed


development “would result in sig- nificant danger to pedestrians, cy- clists and other road users.” He also took into account the emerging North Loose Neighbour- hood Development Plan. While Mr Clark accepted there


was an acute shortage of housing in the area and that a new sports field would be of benefit, he agreed with the inspector that “the benefits of this proposed development are sig- nificantly and demonstrably out- weighed by its adverse impacts.” Mr Carter added: “It’s a bit sad


that it has taken a planning inspec- tor and the Secretary of State – both from outside the area – to quickly and accurately identify the prob- lems we have, while KCC’s high- ways authority and Maidstone Borough Council have failed to see it as a serious issue.”


News


Closure date set for Dorothy Lucy centre


KENTCounty Council has voted to close the Dorothy Lucy centre and care home. Despite efforts by local council-


lors, campaigners and MP Helen Whately, the county council’s adult social care cabinet committee voted to close the care home in Northum- berlandAvenue, Shepway, fromAu- gust 2016 and to end dementia day care provision from March 2017. Cllr Brian Clark made a final bid


for a reprieve at the meeting, with Marian Reader and Anna Ralph. Both ladies made a case to keep


the centre going, based on the excel- lent service provided and lack of like -for-like services locally. Cllr Clark saidKCCshould defer a decision, claiming it had so far failed to find any alternative services lo- cally in the private sector. He said: “KCC has had to extend dementia day care provision at Dorothy Lucy to March next year after finding no suitable alternative. “Given the clear lack of current al- ternatives for dementia day care in south east Maidstone, this is not the


Cllr Brian Clark, Anna Ralph and her father-in-law John Hoggin


time tomakethe decision on closure. “KCC should be deferring the de-


cision until credible alternative serv- ices are available for the whole package of services offered by Dorothy Lucy." His views were echoed by Mid


Kent MP Helen Whately who said: “I am disappointed the Dorothy Lucy Centre is to close. It is a much- valued community asset and the staff there have done great work car- ing for the frail and elderly, as well


as providing support to local fami- lies who needed respite facilities. “I am pleased I was able to help


get Kent County Council to hold back their decision while they car- ried out research to identify alterna- tive providers for the services. “This was particularly important


for day care services at Dorothy Lucy, which now won’t be with- drawn until March 2017, rather than this month as originally planned. “While I understand the reasons


KCCput forward for closing the cen- tre, providing high-quality health care locally is a must. I will continue to monitor the situation and press KCCto ensure good replacement fa- cilities are in place before the final closure of the Dorothy Lucy Centre.” KCC says the Dorothy Lucy cen-


tre is no longer fit for purpose, along with Kiln Court at Faversham. Mrs Whately said: “There are op- portunities for health agencies to use this overall situation to improve pro- vision in Maidstone and across Kent, particularly for dementia care home and nursing care home beds.”


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