News


downsmail.co.uk KMC site change of use call


THERE has been an angry response to proposed changes to the use of the KentMedical Campus (KMC) site at junction 7 of theM20.


LandownersHarvestore Systems


(Holdings) Ltd is askingMaidstone Borough Council (MBC) to amend a condition to its original applica- tion’s acceptance for medical, sci- ence or educational uses. But because of insufficient take-


up, it now wants any type of busi- ness office use. It was hoped KMC would be a


magnet for specialist businesses.A booklet published trumpeted the parkland-style site would be “where health, science and educa- tion come together”. It also poses a problemforMBC,


as the KMC site in its original form was included in the controversial Local Plan, passed last autumn. Local borough councillor for


Bearsted, Val Springett said: “At a briefingwith the developer, I asked the specific question that the site would be used for science,medical and educational uses and I was as- sured that it would be. I just feel


No date for a newpostbox


A FRESH call to Royal Mail bosses has failed to confirm when a re- placement postbox will be put on theA20 near the junction with Car- ing Lane. Thurnham parish councillor


Michael Stark reported the theft of the old-style cast iron box and its contents to the RoyalMail on June 9 and to the police, but three months on he is still no closer to finding out when itwill be replaced. He toldDownsMail: “On June 29,


I receiveda letter fromthePlymouth office of RoyalMail apologising for the loss of the box and stating that a replacement was on order. I wrote again on August 3 asking when we couldexpect a replacement, empha- sising that the lack of a box is incon- venient. I await a reply.” Cllr Stark remains concerned


about the lack of response, adding that his original theft report had beenmetwith a “lack of concern”. The Royal Mail told Downs Mail


in June that no timescale could be given for the replacement of the col- lection box, which has been tem- porarily suspended. On August 20, Royal Mail said:


“We intend to replace this box and are still looking at our options for doing this.Wewant to do allwe can to ensure that the replacement box isn't stolen.”


4 Maidstone East September 2018


cheated and lied to.” DownsMail contacted bothHar-


vestore and DHA Planning, the agents, for a comment. FellowBearsted councillor Denis


Spooner (pictured),who sits on the planning committee, said: “It seems the owners cannot find occupiers to


use the land and have asked for the condition to be changed. “As I understand it, these would


be office-type businesses and I don’t think it would be for manu- facturing, for instance. So I would probably very reluctantly go along with the amendment. I suppose it


would increase its attractiveness to potential occupiers and it is better to have someone on there than not.” Independ-


ent Maidstone c o u n c i l l o r Eddie Powell , who works in the


private


medical field, said: “It is a mistake


if


MBC allows this change. This site is absolutely perfect for the use it was intended for.” Some critics have pointed out that


Woodcut FarmatM20 junction 8 is meant to be the site in theLocal Plan set aside for general office space to meet the borough’s needs. Now KMC has been earmarked


for two Maidstone schools which could be located beside a hospital to treatmentally-ill criminals and peo- plewith personality disorders.


Mike takes over as town crier


LENHAM’S new town crier has de- scribed his appointment as an “ho- nour” – very loudly! Mike Dale – complete with a new


bell – has already been announcing village events, starting with the townmarket. Originally from Lancashire, he is


exchanging placeswith former crier of 27 years Gez Clark, who will be taking up the same role 20 miles from where Mike was born, near Blackpool. Mike was chosen from three peo-


ple who put themselves forward for the role at The Family Festival in Lenham. They had to relay one pre- written call and a personal piece about the future of the village, and were judged by three locals with their backs to them, in the style of television’s The Voice. Mr Dale said: “I was so surprised.


You couldn’t make it up. Gez was also master of ceremonies at my wedding.” The 46-year-old, who married


Hannah in 2016, has already taken on other community duties since moving to Croft Gardens in the vil- lage. He rings the bells at Lenham church, and his latest role willmake himeven better known. He said: “Having wondered what on earth Iwas doing puttingmyself


New crierMike Dale, left, with his predecessor, Gez Clark


up for this public role, I have really enjoyed it and as my confidence grows, I’m sure I’ll get a lot out of it.”


MrDale has a newbell and is hav-


ing a bespoke crier’s uniformmade, which he hopes to have by Novem-


ber, with the help of LenhamParish Council, whichmade a £500 contri- bution towards his new attire. Mr Dale is happy to take commis-


sions to publicise village events on mikedale400@gmail.com or on 07515 355237.


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