downsmail.co.uk Judge stands by
camp complaint A HIGH Court judge has over- turned a decision by Maidstone Council to allow a camp for trav- ellers after a Staplehurst resident complained. The actionwas taken after an ap- plicationwas made for a site in Frit- tenden Road, Staplehurst. Using an anonymity order, a householder took issue with the proposal, which had been granted because there is a shortfall in sites suitable for the travelling commu- nity and the applicant’s personal circumstances. He claimed that there had been
legal and procedural errors and the fact there are several unlawful trav- elling sites, which might have changed the decision. Judge Rhodri Price said the plan-
ning committee had been “signifi- cantly misled” by their officers.
It’s Marden Gras!
RIO Carnival and the Olympics will be the theme of this year’s summer play scheme at Marden. Activities for children aged 5-11
will run between Monday, July 25 and Friday, August 5, 9.30am to 3.30pm, at Marden Scout HQ. Registration forms are available
from the parish office and the pri- mary school office.
News
Grafty Green housing plan is still undecided
A DECISION for a planned hous- ing development on the site of the old Grafty Green Garden Centre has been deferred. Councillors could not agree on certain ecological aspects of the proposal for four and five-bedroom high quality houses and a small in- dustrial unit, although it is likely to be passed next time i conditions are met.
The scheme has met with local approval and some of Maidstone Council’s planning committeewere impressed by the plans. Ron Galton, vice-chairman of Boughton Malherbe Parish Coun- cil, said his authority strongly sup- ports the application. He told the meeting in June: “It
will have less impact than a low- cost, high density development, which would not be sustainable.” The homes have been designed
by Kent-based, award-winning ar- chitect Guy Hollaway. Quinn Estates, which bought the redundant site on the Headcorn Road in November 2014, wants to feature glass widely in the 14 con- temporary, detached homes it
ceptions to rural building. Cllr Shellina Prendergast asked: “Here we have the opportunity for a good housing development on a brown- field site, so why?” Colleague Cllr Martin Round
Glass will be a prominent feature of the proposed homes designed by archi- tect Guy Hollaway (right)
hopes will replace the old green- houses. There will also be a two- storey office block. Mark Quinn, of Quinn Estates,
said the development would “en- courage families to live where they work”. Some neighbours have wel- comed the application, saying the site has been a magnet for vandals and off-roaders. Others have expressed concern
about the development’s entrance via Crumps Lane, which is “notori- ous for near misses”. However, Maidstone Borough Council’s planning officers recom- mended refusal on the grounds it does not fit into the local plan’s ex-
said: “I have had people from neighbouring parishes wishing for something similar. This satisfies both a market and a rural need.” The development is expected to generate 50-plus vehicle move- ments a day and Kent Highways does not object. There were other concerns over the use of greenbelt to the west of the car park, which was bought separately. Natural England also fears an adverse effect on the nearby woodland. While large, the houses would
have garages incorporating further living accommodation above. The 5,500sq ft of office space proposed was not necessary, according to some, with similar space in the local area sitting empty. The applicant has offered £350,000 towards off-site affordable housing, broadband and improve- ments to the village hall if permis- sion is given.
HOLLAMBY FAMILY BUTCHERS 57 High Street, Headcorn, Ashford, Kent, TN27 9NL
Tel: 01622 890379 It's time to BBQ!!!
We have a range of marinated, sauced & coated meats to suit your needs
Home made sausages & burgers.
Beef steaks, ready made kebabs
Flavoured pork ribs, chops & steaks, spatchcock &
1/2 spit roast chickens
Butterflied lamb legs, marinated boned lamb shoulders, chops & steaks
BBQ packs starting from £12.95 for 4 persons & much more
Mon: CLOSED Tues, Thurs & Fri: 8.30am - 1.00pm / 2.00pm - 5.00pm Wed: 8.30am - 7.00pm. Sat: 8.30am - 1.00pm / 2.00pm - 4.00pm
Maidstone South July 2016 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48