News| Roads and Development
downsmail.co.uk Work delayed on homes site
WORK will start on 800 houses south of the A274 Sutton Road in Langley no earlier than autumn 2017, the developers have confirmed.
Countryside, which has planning permission granted by Maidstone Borough Council subject to strict infrastructure conditions, has been accused of “jumping the gun”. Downs Mail understands the
local MP Helen Whately has re- ferred the application and two oth- ers – which total 1,300 dwellings in all – recently put through by MBC to the Secretary of State for inde- pendent examination. She, along with a number of county councillors including Gary Cooke and Jenny Whittle and local parish councils, is “deeply con- cerned” about the impact large- scale housing will have on roads, schools and local amenities. Cllr Cooke says the transport concerns are far from satisfied, and Kent County Council’s infrastruc- ture position is very much at odds with MBC’s, especially in light of its “incessant push for more hous- ing”. He added: “The developers are jumping the gun somewhat.We are nowhere near a situation where they can be talking with such con- fidence about start dates. “For instance, MBC is asking for
the establishment of bus lanes, even though KCC is unlikely to agree to bus lanes.” MBC plans to build more than
18,000 houses. The three A274 options were
taken from the local plan before a government inspector had a chance
to examine them in detail, causing widespread anger. It has also brought the need for a Leeds-Langley relief road back into the equation, just a few months be- fore the county council elections in May next year. Mrs Whately said: “The total number of homes is extraordinarily high and it doesn’t make sense to press on without material invest- ment in the road network.” Andrew Carrington, managing director of strategic land at Coun- tryside, said: “The delivery of up to
800 new homes and the associated community facilities provides the opportunity to both stimulate the local economy and assist Maid- stone Borough Council’s aim to im- prove the supply of high-quality new homes in the borough. “Overall, there’s a lot of excite-
ment about this particular develop- ment and we look forward to delivering this fantastic scheme.” Aspokesman for Countryside ac-
knowledged therewere unresolved issues and added: “I can’t see it starting before autumn next year.”
A Countryside statement added: “Careful consideration has also been given to the impact on the local road network of this and other proposed housing developments in south east Maidstone. “Countryside has agreed a sig- nificant contribution to the Coun- cil’s Integrated Transport Strategy for Maidstone, which will go to- wards junction improvements and significant enhancements to local bus services. Work on the develop- ment is expected to start next year.”
Residents voice their fears over traffic
REPRESENTATIVES from Kent County Council met residents of Leeds to discuss increasing volumes of traffic running through the village. Cllr Gary Cooke called the site meeting after resident Robert Jackson got in touch to complain about vehicle numbers, the aggressive conduct of some motorists, damage by hit-and-run drivers and lorries ignoring the HGV ban.
Kirstie Williams and Susan
Laporte from KCC also joined to offer their observations and expertise. But the residents called for action on the relief road to reduce the
pressure on Leeds, its surrounding villages and on Willington Street as well as express concerns about the level of house building.
Cllr Cooke is pictured with
residents Robert Jackson, Lesley Martin, Anitra Irrera, Lesley Finlay and parish councillor John Govett.
Plan to redevelop garages Concern grows
RESIDENTS have been told about a plan for yet more new houses off the Sutton Road. Golding Homes told those liv- ing near the site in Park Wood on August 23 about its proposition to demolish its 31 garages – off Francis Lane, opposite the BP garage – to build nine two- and three-bedroom terraced proper- ties, plus parking.
No planning application has- been submitted as yet, but Gold- ing Homes says the proposal is part of a wider strategy by the company, looking at the re- development of its community garage blocks.
While the site is not included in Maidstone Council’s Local Plan, a spokesman for Golding Homes said Maidstone Council fully supported the home-provider’s “garage redevelopment strategy” as a way of finding new sites for “desperately needed housing in
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after accident Continued from page one
more large housing developments planned off the A274 at Langley. The proposals for 1,300 homes
have been given outline planning permission – with certain highways conditions – by Maidstone Borough Council.
the area”. She said it was still too early to say whether the houses would be sold on the open mar- ket, leased or offered on a shared- ownership basis.
Chris Blundell, the director of
development and commercial services at Golding Homes, said: “We are committed to providing good quality homes for local peo- ple and have identified this
Maidstone South September 2016
garage site, which is not well used and a little run-down, for development. We look forward to consulting with local residents on the proposal plans and will wel- come their views.” Residents were invited to at- tend the consultation meeting, at the garage block, where Golding Homes’ staff answered some of their questions.
The issue of the effects housing will have on local infrastructure is likely to become an issue at next year’s county council elections. Mr Jackson has become concerned not just by the numbers of vehicles in Leeds but the aggressive nature of the driving and conduct of the driv- ers.
A neighbour’s dog – a springer spaniel – was also clipped by a car in Upper Street in Leeds, but survived.
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