downsmail.co.uk
News
Call to preserve education centre
PLANS to demolish the former Adult Education Centre in Sit- tingbourne Road have been criti- cised by residents and a local councillor, who fears the loss of a Victorian building to Maidstone. SR Developments wants permis-
sion to build six homes on the site, following the demolition of the ex- isting two-storey red-brick build- ing.
But the gardens would be too
small and the proposal would add to further parking problems in the area, according to one local coun- cillor. The new homes would be three storeys high and would be built as a terrace of houses.
Councillor Nikki Fissenden (left), who represents East ward, com- mented on the ap- plication, saying that it “seemed unacceptable in its present form and
highly contentious locally”. Cllr Fissenden cited concerns
over the size of the gardens saying they were “unacceptably small” and that there were “insufficient” parking spaces allowed, with none allocated for visitors. She said that there were already problems with parking on sur- rounding roads, where space was at a premium.
The councillor, who has lived in
the area for 15 years, said: “It may not be an iconic building but it has its merits and, to be honest, there are not that many places in Maid- stone of the Victorian era. “Perhaps conversion into apart-
ments would be the best idea, but parking is always going to be an issue. They haven’t got access into Sittingbourne Road and there are always vast amounts of school chil- dren about. “I live in the area so I know what
I’m talking about.” A local objector said: “It seems
such awaste of a beautiful, original Victorian building, especially to cram six houses in to such a small space. “It is a shame it is not protected –
even transforming it in to flats would be preferable.” The closing date for comments
on the application was Monday, September 20, but no decision had been made on it at the time the Downs Mailwent to press.
LANDLORDS property in Maidstone?
CALLING ALL Do you have a
• We let most of our properties within 7 days
• Most of our tenants stay on average for 21/2 years
• We can offer Smart rental protection
• Successfully
letting properties in Maidstone for over 20 years
INVITATION Are you thinking of becoming a landlord?
If so, you are invited to come and join us for a glass of wine and an informal chat on
Thursday 3rd November 2016 7-9pm
at our Bearsted Office Town’s diversity celebrated
AN EXCHANGE of cultural song, dance and food featured in an ethnic cel- ebration in the town. Dancing Afghan women and a performance of ancient Turkish guitar by
the Baglama player drew fans on stage at The Vine in Boughton Lane. The event was organised by Maidstone Black and Minority Ethnic Com- munities Forum and Involve Kent. Involve Kent’s BME forum facilitator Jacqueline Bobb said: “Itwas a joy
to watch the enthusiasm and talent of our local musicians and dancers who proudly showed off their traditions and demonstrated just how di- verse and talented our borough has become.” MP Helen Grant said the multi-cultural celebration was “just what is needed” in light of an 85% rise in hate crime since the Brexit vote.
Places are limited so please phone to book your place now.
Bearsted Office Bearsted Green, Bearsted ME14 4QZ
Tel: 01622 737800 Penenden Heath Office
Penenden Heath, Maidstone ME14 2HN
Tel: 01622 671200
www.ferrisandco.net
Maidstone November 2016 11
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 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56