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David and Goliath win for Fant Farm campaign


A PLAN for 225 homes in coun- tryside near Maidstone which sparked a local protest has been blocked. Gleeson Homes have been told


they cannot develop Fant Farm in Fant near East Barming. The company appealed after its proposals were turned down by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC). Villagers have been fighting the


development since 2014 and formed a group, Save Fant Farm. After the government decision


was announced the group said: “Good news! The appeal by the de- velopers was unsuccessful. Well done to everyone who campaigned to save it.” Campaign chairman Gareth


Owen had just finished a round of golf when he received an email from the planning inspectorate. He said: “I punched the air and


wanted to hug everybody. The peo- ple in the clubhouse must have thought I was going mad. It was wonderful.” MrOwen is planning to celebrate with a party with the villagers and


a glass of champagne with his wife. He said: “Fant Farm is quintes- sentially Kent and absolutely beau- tiful.At the planning appeal hearing wewere up against the developer’s QCs – it was a David and Goliath campaign we had to fight and I thank everyone who helped us.” Helen Grant MP, who backed the residents’ campaign, said: “I am ab- solutely delighted with the inspec- tor’s decision. This has been a very long battle “All credit must go to the dogged determination of one heck of a cam- paign team. It has been a pleasure to work alongside all of the people in-


volved in ‘Save Fant Farm’. “Let this be a message to develop-


ers they will not have it all theirown way in Maidstone in the future.” Fant Ward councillor Matt Boughton said: “This is a victory for the community and all the residents whowrote letters, attended the pub- lic inquiry, and made our views very clear. I'm particularly thankful to Gareth Owen and all at the Save Fant Farm Community Group. “It is particularly pleasing that the inspector has rejected the appeal based on landscape grounds.” Gleeson Homes failed to respond to a request for a statement.


News May fair fun


MORRIS dancers, live music and all the fun of the fair will be brought to- gether in Headcorn for a traditional May Fair. The bank holiday event, on Days


Green, from noon to 4pm on Mon- day,May1, is being hosted by Head- corn Primary School’s PTA. Other attractions will include a barbecue, hog roast, bouncy castle, face-painting, a dog show and the chance to try your luck on the tombola and raffle. For details or to book a stall call


07739 311521 or 07970 535790 or send an email to headcorn- schoolptfa@yahoo.co.uk.


Hospice choir


HEART of Kent Hospice’s choir, which sings at events to raise funds for the charity, is looking for new members. The choir rehearses each Monday


from 7.30pm to 8.30pm at the hospice inAylesford and it is free to join. All arewelcome. For more details, call Maddy on 01622 790195.


Easter egg hunt


THERE’S a chance to join a Grand Easter Egg Hunt at Headcorn Church on April 15. All children under 11 arewelcome accompanied by an adult. Admission is free.


Care Workers Vacancies West Malling


1 Full Time Activities Coordinator 2 x Part Time Care Workers


Age Concern Malling is an independent registered Charity looking for care workers to join our dedicated dementia care team. Due to expansion, we have 2 full time and 2 part time vacancies available.


Based in our specialised dementia care facility in West Malling, the successful applicants will work alongside our registered nurse and trained care workers to provide support to those living with dementia. Open 6 days a week, we deliver care tailored to the client’s individual needs and offer stimulating and engaging activities throughout the day. As an organisation we are committed to dementia care and to providing a safe and friendly environment to both the clients and the staff.


Applicants must have a passion for care, a good work ethic and be flexible. Minimum Qualification NVQ Level 2 / NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care to apply. Excellent pay rate and company pension. Training provided.


To request an application pack please contact Age Concern Malling on 01732 848008 / 01732 871746. For an informal chat or additional information please contact Lynda Rootes [Registered Manager] on 01732 848008 / 01732 871746.


Closing Date: Monday 10th May Interviews week commencing 15th May Maidstone Weald April 2017 19 1 Full Time Team Leader


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