News Three arrested


THREE men were arrested after being pulled over on the M20 near Lenham. They were nabbed on suspicion


of burglary after the car they were travelling in was stopped on the M20.


Officers pulled the vehicle over


on the coast-bound carriageway be- tween Junctions 8 (Leeds Castle) and 9 (Ashford), shortly before 1.50am on Thursday, March 23. A23-year-old man from Bromley


and two London men aged 23 and 32 were arrested on suspicion of burglary and remain in custody. The offence they are suspected of committing is reported to have happened in the Sevenoaks area on the previous afternoon. A car was reported to have been


stolen during the incident but was not the one stopped on the M20.


Castle concert


MAIDSTONElaw firm Brachers has announced it will be sponsoring this year’s Leeds Castle classical concert this summer. The concert’s line-up includes the


Royal Philharmonic Orchestra con- ducted by John Rigby, singing group the Patriot Girls, soprano Katie Bird and tenor Anthony Flaum. There will be a Spitfire fly- past and a fireworks finale.


downsmail.co.uk


Cautious optimism as homes plan cancelled


VILLAGERSremain on their guard following the latest twist in a bid to build 12 houses off a narrow shared access route in Hollingbourne. Country House Developments, of Bearsted Road, which was propos- ing the green field development, has now withdrawn its planning appli- cation, which has caused contro- versy involving the parish council, the village hall, The Windmill pub and neighbours inWindmill Lane. However, Hollingbourne Parish Councilwarns it is too early to cele- brate. Planning sub-committee chairman Cllr Alan Bennett said: “If it is a permanent position not to de- velop, then hooray. But if it is to be bounced back,we will oppose it.” The proposal was for 12 homes, a


new access road, garages and a one- acre wood. But, according to Cllr Bennett, the would-be developer “made a num- ber of assumptions”, including use of Windmill Lane, which is jointly owned by Enterprise Inns and a res- ident.Headded: “This road, or foot- way, isway too narrow for cars and certainly for emergency vehicles. It


HAVE YOUR SAY


COMMENTS on Maidstone Coun- cil’s Revised Local Plan are invited by May 19. The consultation centres on the


would generate about 100 vehicle movements a day onto a road used as a cut-through to Maidstone. We were told that its use had been squared with Enterprise Inns and the other owner, whichwasn’t true.” TheWindmill pub is now said to


be interested in securing part of the car park and the village hall com- mittee is trying to get a long lease on the building from Enterprise Inns. Cllr Bennett said: “As a villagewe


are angry that Maidstone Council has earmarked this land for devel- opment in its Local Plan, especially when we had offered an alternative for about 40 affordable homes on Station Approach.”


main modifications, including those recommended by planning inspector Robert Mellor. The In- spector will take account of the public’s views on these before reaching his final conclusions on the Plan. Comments should, there- fore, specify whether the proposed main modifications will make the plan sound and, if not, how they need to be altered. Maidstone Council is also seek-


ing views on the schedule of minor changes to the Local Plan, which will not be considered by the in- spector. View the documents at www.maidstone.gov.uk/localplan


A spokesman for Enterprise Inns


said:“We are in discussions with the Village Hall Committee over the lease and are committed to find a mutually acceptable resolution.”


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