News REVIEW: When


art meets science By Dennis Fowle


ART is all about imagination and learning – and the audience at Maid- stone International Arts Festival gala concert at Mote Hall had their fill. Maidstone shares its name with a


crater on Mars, and the concert’s red planet theme brought together art and science. At times I felt rather spaced out


but there were plenty of down-to- earth highlights I could more easily associate with. This built up to a splendid finale,


with an amazing colourful painting by Maryleen Schiltkamp on a blank canvas, to the piano music of Reinis Zarins. And to round off, Invicta Jazz Orchestra really achieved audi- ence participation. Local talent shared the stage with international dance and singing artists and dance schools (Hilton Hall, Essence and Jag), a choir formed by Maidstone Singers and Mixed Blessings and the Dead Rat Orchestra had a chance toshowtheir achievements. The contemporary dances by the Rambert Dance Company did space meout and Iwas more at homewith the performances of Russian mezzo- soprano Maria Gulik and Spanish tenor Jorge Navarro Colorado.


downsmail.co.uk


Village hall fears as homes plan revealed


AREVISEDapplication to build 10 family homes behind a pub in Hollingbourne has been received by the borough council. The plan, from Country House Homes, replaces an earlier request for 12 properties off Eyhorne Street. The plan has prompted objections


from MP Helen Whately, the parish council and the Village Hall Com- mittee, which is served byWindmill Lane, the public footpath suggested as a shared access to the homes. Such has been the level of concern, Maidstone Borough Council agreed to extend its deadline for public comments by two weeks to August 7. Village Hall Committee chairman John Holley, who is pictured at the hall, claims the potential develop- ment is holding the building’s future hostage, with owner EI Group plc (formerly Enterprise Inns) allowing its 20-year lease to lapse pending a decision on the development. EI also owns other pubs and restaurants in the area. The committee also fears the po- tential development could set a


precedent, allowing more building that would threaten the hall’s future and is seeking professional advice. Mr Holley said: “We are particu-


larly concerned because without a lease we will struggle to secure grants. It also makes it difficult to take bookings and with the day-to- day running of the venue, which is verywell used and has been operat- ing for 50 years.” Hollingbourne Parish Council has objected to the revised proposal, adding: “We voted to oppose this


development on several grounds, in- cluding the poor access and con- cerns about the accuracy of some of the information in the application, including worries about the avail- ability of parking in the area of Windmill Lane. This has become an issue of late due to the introduction of penalties for use of The Wind- mill’s car park by non-customers. “We are also concerned that the £33,324 developer contribution sug- gested previously would be spent in Harrietsham and not Holling- bourne. “Kent Highways Footpaths has


also indicated that ifWindmill Lane is closed during any construction for the installation of services, then al- ternative access should be provided to the pub, the hall and adjoining properties. However, owing to the narrowness ofWindmill Lane, this could prove a problem.” The application will be considered


by Maidstone council’s full planning committee, after Cllr Patrik Garten insisted the proposal should not be decided by a planning officer.


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