News
downsmail.co.uk Homes anger in Hollingbourne
A PLAN to build 12 houses behind a village pub, laying claim to a narrow footpath and a homeowner’s garden, is causing a stir in Hollingbourne.
About 20 villagers turned out to discuss the plan by Country House Developments, off Windmill Lane, with Maidstone councillor Patrik Garten. Villagers say the lane, which is narrow and privately owned – in part by Enterprise Inns – is unsuit- able to service the new estate, which would be accessed close to the vil- lage hall. They also say much of the detail of the plan has been based on assumption with no discussions held with those directly affected and no flooding assessment or transport statement made. Campaigners were told that En- terprise Inns is to write to the devel- opers about the proposal, stating that no development can take place without its
consent.Arepresentative from South East Water, Steve An- drews, also pointed out that it would be difficult to run water to any new development and connect it with the main in Eyhorne Street without clos- ing the road. Cllr Garten will be meeting Maid-
stone Council planning officer Kate Alteri to discuss villagers’ concerns, and has indicated he will call the plan in, for consideration by the council’s planning committee, rather than being dealt with by officers.
Some of the villagers who are opposing the plan to build homes behind the Windmill Inn in Hollingbourne Scheme brings infrastructure fears
FERNHAM Homes has again ad- vised Hollingbourne Parish Coun- cil that it has applied for permission to build 10 houses in the village. Advanced plans for the land –
between historic Godfrey House and Claygate – have been received by the parish council, along with an invitation from Matthew Bly- thin to discuss the matter with the parish council, possibly at its meeting on Monday, February 13. It follows talks with Fernham
Homes about a year ago and in 2014, when an application for 20 houseswas being considered. It comes at a time when the
parish council continues to ex- press concern about the impact of more development on traffic in Hollingbourne, its drainage and sewerage system, and the lack of places at the village school. This was borne out by a recent request from the county council for a contribution of more than £28,000 from developers if they get
No applicants Louis takes up roost at castle
for vicar post THE vacancy for a vicar of Holling- bourne has been re-advertised after no applications were re- ceived. The new post as team vicar for
the PilgrimsWay Parishes – which includes the village – was first ad- vertised by the Diocese of Canter- bury in October. The vacancy has arisen following
a re-organisation of churches to form the North Downs Benefice and the retirement of the Rev Nigel Fry as priest in charge of the for- mer Leeds and Hollingbourne Benefice in April 2015. The new team vicar will be re- sponsible for the parishes between Hollingbourne and Boxley, includ- ing Hucking, Thurnham, Detling, and Grove Green. The news was reported at a meeting of Hollingbourne Parochial Church Council, which also discussed buying a self-wind- ing mechanism for the clock in the tower – which would save Rev Fry the job of manually winding it twice a week. A contribution of £3,000 will come from the bell fund.
8 Maidstone East February 2017
LEEDS Castle are welcoming a new addition – Louis, the Chaco Owl, who is pictured here with falconer Hannah James. The new recruit to
the castle’s bird of prey centre is about to undergo training to deliver wedding rings, greet visitors and take part in the regular displays in the grounds. According to head
falconer Mark Brattle, the well-loved “wise” expression comes from Louis’ large, forward-facing eyes, which provide him with binocular vision able to scan a range of 70 degrees, unlike humans, who can only manage 10 degrees. While an owl has fantastic long distance vision, it’s actually his new aviary colleagues that have eyes like a hawk! We wish Louis a warm welcome and hope he doesn’t mind the English
weather, as a native to Argentina in South America. He brings the number of birds of prey in the castle team to 30, with 21 different species froma British Kestrel to a Russian Steppe Eagle.
permission for 12 houses inWind- mill Lane towards school places, which would have to be provided at Harrietsham School. The parish council has also ob-
jected to the proposal, along with many villagers, adding: “The nar- row entrance to Eyhorne Mews is almost opposite the four-metre wide single-track entrance to Windmill Lane and in a section of Eyhorne Street that is mainly one way due to the presence of park- ing spaces opposite the pub.”
Bearsted’s PO
is to stay open THE Post Office on the Ash- ford Road at Bearsted is set to remain, despite the fact that the Spar shop on the same site will be closing. It is understood that the nearby Tesco Express and a re- duction in trade prompted the decision to close the grocery store. Paydens will use the rest of
the shop to incorporate a larger pharmacy and retail offer of cosmetic and medical mer- chandise. A Post Office spokesman added: “The Ashford Road Post Office, Bearsted, is stay- ing within the Paydens Phar- macy and will not be affected by changes to the vacated con- venience store. “The branch will not need to
close while work is carried out.”
That is at least some good
news for Bearsted residents, following the news from Nat West that it will be closing its branch in the parade of shops.
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