downsmail.co.uk


Villagers vow to fight homes plan


HEADCORN residents have agreed to continue their fight against developers behind “the largest housing development ever proposed for the village”. The parish council, which has


spent £51,000 fighting the Hazel- pits proposal for 220 homes off Mill Bank, turned to villagers again in May to ask if theywanted to “fight on” after their case was dismissed at judicial review. Parish council vice-chairman Bridget Dungey said representa- tions made at the parish council meeting, on its website and face- book page and in person demon- strated clearly that villagers are not prepared to give up the fight against applicants Crabtree and Crabtree Ltd and Shoregrove Ltd. The decision follows a leaflet


drop by planning agent DHA ahead of the judicial review hear- ing, which accused the parish council of wasting residents’ money, referring to £21,000 spent on legal costs as of February 2016 and adding: “That figure will be considerably higher should your parish council lose the appeal.”


However, comments of support following this defeat showed resi- dents were far from ready to throw in the towel. Jacquie Knox Hetherington re-


ferred to the recent story in Downs Mail about uncertain futures for some Weald railway stations, in- cluding Headcorn, and posted: “Oh well, let's hope the people who move there are not depend- ent on a frequent train service, given it’s currently at risk.” Cheryl Whitworth said: “Thank


you for all you have done to pro- tect our village”, while SueWalker said: “This is so unfair, our village is being destroyed.” This week Cllr Dungey con- firmed the battle will continue. She said: “Villagers have asked us to continue fighting this case and we have asked for permission to ap- peal against Mrs Justice Lang’s de- cision to dismiss the parish council’s case at judicial review. We have now lodged that appeal.” The parish has been advised that


£2,500 will allow it to appeal the Judicial Review decision, but costs could run to £10,000.


Alpacas meet little learners


CHILDREN at Little Learners Nursery, in Boughton Lane, Loose, enjoyed a visit from two fluffy characters during the last week of term. The youngsters were able to get


up close and stroke two alpacas when they stopped by. The friendly


pair were from Lightfoot Alpacas, based in Cranbrook. Nursery manager, Leonie


Cooper, said: “The children loved being able to stroke the animals and pose for the photographs with them. Thank you to Lightfoot Alpacas for coming in.”


Marden’s bid for TV fame


GARDENERS in Marden are keeping their green fingers crossed that their village will have a starring role in a television series this year. Launched just over a year ago, the Marden in Bloom group has ap-


plied to be part of Channel 4’s Village of The Year 2017 competition, with a prize presented by actress Penelope Keith. The programme celebrates how villages are cared for and looks at


their heritage and history as well as the people who live there. The group hopes that residents will be help in a variety of ways such as picking up litter and supporting village events. Anyone who lives in the parish and would like to join the group can email anne.boswell@ymail.com or call 01622 833351.


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