downsmail.co.uk


Loss of Suon Valence oaks sparks an inquiry


AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into allegations that oak treeswere felled by a developer in Sutton Valence. There are concerns that opera-


tives for developers Wealden Homes may have acted unlawfully, as many British oaks are protected. Local Maidstone borough coun-


cillor Paulina Stockell has shared her strong misgivings about the trees’ removal with her authority. Greensand Meadow, which was formerly known as Brandys Bay, will provide 40 two- three-, four- and five-bedroom homes. When approached by Downs


Mail, a spokesman for developer Wealden Homes’ managing direc- tor Barry Chamberlain confirmed the company was in contact with Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) but would not comment. Wealden Homes, which is based


in Teston, has been in existence for three decades. Itswebsite boasts:“We aim to de-


liver the best design and build on every site. This includes type, size, location and aesthetic appearance of new properties.


“This follows on from the investi- gations at land purchase stage to ensure the most appropriate new home is built in the correct loca- tion.” A spokesman from MBC said


that a tree officer had visited the site and an investigation was un- derway. A villager who lives nearby said:


“No one is knocking Wealden Homes as they’ve done a decent job down there, but you’d like to think if they did take out a couple of very old oak trees, they would have a


jolly good reason for doing so.” In planning advisory documents


from Kent County Council written in December 2014, in relation to the site,KCCquotes Natural England’s standing advice on the protected species and ancient woodland. According to the Department for Communities and Local Govern- ment, a breach of tree protection status can lead to an unlimited fine. The parish clerk, Janet Burnett,


has received numerous calls and emails from concerned parishioners and has herself visited the site.


News £250k boost to


air ambulance SOUTH East Lions have handed over a quarter of amillion pounds to the KentAirAmbulance – five years’ ahead of their deadline for the ambi- tious fund-raising target. In June, 2012, the region’s clubs


gave themselves 10 years to raise the money for a 24-hour air service. Members were delighted to be


told that their work had allowed the service to go “through the night”. Prior to night-time operation, the


air ambulance operated two heli- copters with two crews. In 2013, it replaced one of its aircraft with a hel- icopter capable of night-flying. Lynne Harris, director of income generation for the charity, said: “The Lions should be immensely proud of the difference they have made to those who need us.”


Diabetics help


DIABETICS are invited to take part in a survey to direct future service needs in Kent. The survey, commissioned by the


Kent charity, thePaula Carr Diabetes Trust, hopes the results will provide a better understanding of the needs of diabetic people in the area. It takes 10 minutes to complete


and can be found at www.paulacar- rdiabetestrust.co.uk. The deadline is March 31.


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