News
Curate tells of her challenges
LUNCHING ladies in Bearsted and Thurnham got an insight into the world of Holy Cross curate Melissa Carter. Mrs Carter explained how, with
her dog Zoe, modern technology and her husband Anthony, she has dealt with the challenges of leading worship, in spite of her blindness since the age of eight. She was talking at the 20th an-
niversary Ecumenical Ladies’ Lunch at Bearsted and Thurnham Tennis Club.
Organiser June Churchyard said:
“We hope to continue organising these lunches for many years.”
Picnic concert
TAKEyour picnic for a musical treat organised by Bredhurst Woodland Action Group, on Saturday, July 8. The Cantium Singers, from Rochester, will perform their usual mix of pop, musicals and classical items in the garden of Green Court, The Street, Bredhurst. Gates open at 4pm and the per- formance starts at 5pm. Pimm’s and soft drinks will be available. Tickets are £6 each and must be bought in advance. Children under 16 go free. Call Jim Chalmers on 01634 233752 for details.
downsmail.co.uk
Otham building row development on sale
THE fate of a controversial devel- opment in Otham remains the sub- ject of intense speculation as the building is apparently now up for sale. Villagers say work on the “unas- suming 1920s bungalow” in the heart of the village conservation area started three years ago, but ad hoc and unapproved additions have gone on unchecked. Complaints have been issued by
locals and the parish council to Maidstone Borough Council, which seemed unable to give any details of what action it intends to take. NeighbourAnnette Stephens said:
“The site looks like something from the Battle of the Somme, with build- ing materials everywhere and build- ing work going on endlessly.” In the latest twist, owner Daniel Stradulet has put up a hand-painted sign featuring an acorn motif offer- ing the property onOtham Street for sale at an asking price thought to be nearly £1.5m. Neighbours say the high price and the unfinished state of the development suggests the
Anearly approach to MBC’s press
office was met with little response, other than the authority is “consid- ering the most appropriate action”. But borough councillor Cllr Gor-
property may be on the market for some time. Mrs Stephens added: “If anyone
wanted it they would need to knock half of it down and start again to comply with planning regulations. “Everyone’s getting fed up with
this, it’s been going on for years, and needs to be taken seriously by the council or it will open the floodgates to others who chose to ignore plan- ning controls.” Villagers say more barricades have
been put up in recent weeks along the front of the development site. Mrs Stephens added: “If it’s any-
thing like the man who built his house behind straw bales, it could be years before this is resolved.”
don Newtondescribed that response as from an “uninformed source”, adding: “The original conversion of the building was approved by the council, but since then, councillors have rejected retrospective applica- tions for development, including for an oasthouse on the site. “This is a serious case and it is by
no means being ignored. It is being taken very seriously and I am in talks with the planning enforcement officer about whatwe can do next.” An MBC spokesman later added:
“Our planning enforcement team has not served a formal enforcement notice on this site. At present, the council is pursuing investigations into alleged breaches of planning control and considering the most ap- propriate form of action to take.” Downs Mail approached Mr Stradulet for a comment but he failed to respond.
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Maidstone East July 2017
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