News
downsmail.co.uk Staplehurst plan goes to poll
VILLAGERS in Staplehurst go to the polls on November 3 to decide on the future of their community. The referendum will ask whether
or not they support the Neighbour- hood Development Plan, drawn up by the parish council. While a straightforward yes or no
is needed, the report sets out a com- munity vision and policies for the determination of planning applica- tions in the area and is seen as “the first opportunity in the history of Staplehurst for the community to create a legally binding, statutory plan”, to influence development de- cisions by Maidstone Borough
Council (MBC). Entitled BuildingAStaplehurst Fit
for the Future (2016-2031), the plan has cost the parish council just over £24,000 so far, assisted by grants of £9,500, for the huge job of preparing the document and consulting with the community. The document sets a goal to incorporate development that “maintains and enhances the character of the village”, making particular reference to the need to develop a heart for the village, af- fordable housing and development with adequate infrastructure. It states: “This plan supports new de- velopment in a sustainableway.
Award for village post office
YALDING Post Office has been voted most loved in Kent for 2016, and to celebrate, village resident Helen Grant MP called in to congratulate postmaster Tim Chapman. Tim, who is pictured with the MP,
said: “I'm very proud and delighted about this award. It was voted by Kent people and belongs to the peo- ple of Yalding. It is very much their post office.” Mrs Grant said: “Yalding Post Of-
fice is the beating heart of our village and very much represents the hub of a wonderful community here. I am delighted for Tim and June and my thanks go to everyone who voted.” The announcement was made at
an awards ceremony hosted by Kent Rural Retailers (Action with Commu- nities in Rural Kent.) The organisa- tion works with retailers to highlight the important role village shops and post offices play in communities.
All LOADS Ltd Loose or Bags 01622 873 231
Specialists in supplying aggregates Turf • Top Soil • Sand & Ballast
Free Delivery All Bags £40
Bulk Bag Waste Collection
www.allloads.co.uk email:
aggregates@allloads.co.uk
10 Maidstone Weald November 2016 “Development is located and de-
signed so as to create a compact and balanced settlement that enhances connections across the village.” Villagers will be able to cast their
votes from 7am to 10pm in the North Hall at Staplehurst Village Centre. The referendum will ask the ques-
tion “Do you want Maidstone Bor- ough Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Staplehurst to help it decide planning applica- tions in the neighbourhood area?” The borough council has already earmarked in its LocalPlan develop- ment at Hen and Duckhurst Farm,
thewestern side of Fishers Farm and the east. Any site included in the Local Plan will still require submis- sion and agreement of a formal plan- ning
application before
development can proceed, but should be influenced by a neigh- bourhood plan. Staplehurst Parish Council chair-
man Rory Silkin said: “Please do vote; it is probably one of the most important votes you will make this year.” Staplehurst’s Neighbourhood Plan can be viewed on the parish council’s website at
www.staple-
hurstvillage.org.uk.
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