News


downsmail.co.uk Defiant owner vows to stay


VILLAGERSwould agree it takes a lot to ruffle feathers in the sleepy conservation area ofOtham.But one resident’s actions certainly seem to have done just that.


After receiving permission from Maidstone Council to upgrade an unassuming 1920s bungalow in Otham Street, Daniel Stradulet’s on- going project and ad-hoc additions to the building over the last three years have seen tensions rise. Now Maidstone Council has


ruled thatMrStradulet’s project has breached his planning approval and related building regulations, and has thrown out a retrospective ap- plication seeking permission for the changes. But, in an act of defiance, Mr Stradulet has raised temperatures further by painting on a roadside fence his intention to stay, claiming residents have made it personal. Neighbours’ concerns relate to the


way the project – in the heart of a conservation area – has strayed from whatwas approved. Questions have been raised on


roof heights and pitch, alterations to windows and unapproved addi- tions, including a mini oast, a rear extension and a porch. Objection letters have been pinned to the fence around the property by the owner under which he has sprayed in yellow paint: “I AMHERE TO STAY.MYWAY!!!!!” Next-door neighbour Annette Stephens said Mr Stradulet came to


Brothel charge


A MAN suspected of running a brothel in Maidstone faces court later this month. Romas Drulia (34), of no fixed ad-


dress, has been charged with 13 of- fences including trafficking women for sexual exploitation. He also al- legedly ran brothels in Rochester, Chatham and Gillingham between April 2013 and October 2015. Drulia was remanded in custody


by Kent Police at Biggin Hill Airport. He had previously been detained


trying to cross the Poland-Germany border on February 15 after a Euro- pean arrestwarrantwas issued. Drulia's charges consist of three


counts of human trafficking for sex- ual exploitation, six counts of con- trolling prostitution for gain and four counts of managing a brothel. He will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, March 31.


Charity dinner MACMILLAN Cancer Support is holding a charity meal at Frederic Bistro in Earl Street, Maidstone at 7.30pm, on Tuesday, May 9. It is £25 for a three-course meal with a raffle. Call Helene Poursain on 07764 503484 or email hpoursain@macmil- lan.org.uk


6 Maidstone East April 2017 Pizzas in the sun at pub


A PUB in Bearsted is ringing in the changes with a new garden and range of food, drink and entertainment. The Bell Inn inWare Street has revamped its huge garden area and cov-


ered area, and is introducing stone-baked pizzas, including takeaways. The pub plans to take its live entertainment outside with live music planned for later in the year, as well as festival days, garden games, and making the space available for children’s parties. Nigel Williams, who runs the Bell Inn with Andrea Goddard, said: “The opening of the garden is really exciting for us andwe have already had an amazing reaction from customers at howmuch better it looks. “We are a family-friendly pub, sowe have designed the space to work for


people of all ages and the garden kitchen means we can supply pizzas both to guests dining in as well as those who order online and collect.”


Daniel Stradulet’s buildings in Otham Street and right, the spray-painted notice on the fence


her home a fewweeks ago on “a bit of a charm offensive” but left in no doubt of her view. She said: “Itwas a cordial enough meeting, I suppose. I told him that everyone has to play by the rules and this is a conservation area. The place has been a building site for three years.” Her complaint to the council


reads: “I do not know how Mr Stradulet can continue to flout the planning regulations in a conserva- tion area with impunity, by building whatever he has a whim to and ma- terials for, and then applying for ret- rospective planning permission. It


would appear that the latest scheme is to erect a deconstructed Roman- ian barn on the foundations of an old cottage at the side of the road – as a museum.” Aneighbour said: “No onewants


to stop people building homes of their dreams, but we all signed up to the controls laid down when we moved into this conservation area. However, this development has grown beyond recognition, in spite of these planning laws.” Borough councillor Gordon New-


ton supports the objections raised by the parish council and residents, and said: “This development has


grown out of all proportion to what was intended in the original ap- proval.


“Whoever it is that breaches plan-


ning conditions is irrelevant. This is about observing what has been ap- proved and is permitted within the confines of a conservation area.” He has visited the site to advise


Mr Stradulet to stop work, but it continues, six days a week. He is now in talks with planners and en- forcement officers about the options available. Mr Stradulet told Downs Mail:


“I’ve done nothing wrong and I will take my case to appeal.”


Hop on buses


THE Heritage Transport Show, fea- turing the South East Bus Festival, arrives at Detling Showground on April 1. It will include a display of more


than 100 old buses, with a chance to ride on some. Other vintage vehi- cles will include cars, tractors, mo- torcycles, commercials and stationary engines. The show will also feature model train sets, trade stands, a farmers’ market and an auto-jumble. Gates open at 10am. Admission


in advance is £7, or £10 on the gate; under-14s free. Call 01622 633057.


Bookie assault A MAIDSTONE woman has ap- peared in court after assaulting an- other woman at a bookies in the town.


Tracey Amy Maddeline Britcher


(30) only just avoided going to jail after appearing before Mid Kent Magistrates’ Court on March 16. Britcher, who admitted common assault at the betting shop in Gabriel’s Hill on August 25, was sentenced to 84 days in prison, sus- pended for 24 months. Britcher, fromWestmorland Road, must also pay £50 compensation.


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