downsmail.co.uk Bungalowappeal rejected


ALONG-running feud between villagers over a bungalowconversion has taken amassive step closer to being resolved once and for all. For years, Daniel Stratulat’s


neighbours complained that he has breached planning rules by building a much larger structure on his land than he had consent for. An extra storey, a new roof, an


imitation oast and even a bell and clock towerwere created at Bram- ley,OthamStreet,Otham. Villagers not only complained


about the blatant flouting of the rulebook, but about constant noise and “inappropriate” signs outside his property. Mr Stratulat’s appeal against an


enforcement notice by Maidstone BoroughCouncilwas rejected by a Government planning inspector on January 16. Nowhe faces having to take his


dream dwelling down brick by brick or see bulldozers rolling onto his property to do it for him. Inspector Sandra Prail was


clearly unimpressedwith themain building and the imitation oast which have been constructed in the middle of Otham’s conserva- tion area. She declared the main dwelling was “at odds”with the surround-


Can you help


sight charity? A MAIDSTONE-based charity is hunting formore people to join its army of volunteers. Kent Association for the Blind


(KAB) says it needs specialists and supporters to underpin serv- ices for over 11,500 sight-im- paired people across the county. It hasmore than 800 volunteers.


Aspokesman forKAB,which cel- ebrates its centenary next year, said: “More and more people are diagnosed as visually impaired, we’re all living longer, and the morewe do as a charity, themore volunteerswe need.” The charity runs more than 50


leisure, social and sports clubs, three rehabilitation centres and a range of support services fromits College Road HQ. It also needs fundraisers, event organisers, be- frienders and drivers. The association is also looking


for volunteers to help with its talking news, audio and tran- scription services. For details, visitwww.kab.org.uk


News


One of the signs displayed at the site, and right, the house


ing area, detracted from the open nature of the land and its tower was an “alien feature”. She added: “Its oast house de-


sign is a poor imitation of a true oast building and it appears alien in this historic setting.” An Otham villager, who asked


not to be named, said: “At first, it was quite civil, but it seemsDaniel took it more and more personally when all we wanted was for him to stick to the rules like everyone else.


“He’s not a bad lad, really. It’s a


shame it came to this.” Borough councillor Gordon


Newton said: “He was told and told and told not to carry on con- structing buildings there and he ignored it all. “He upset a lot of people in


Othamby carrying outworkwith- out the correct planning permis- sion. It has been dragging on for years and this is the outcome.” The inspector’s report con- cludes: “In this case, the notice re-


Drunk yelledabuse at arresting officers


A DRUNK woman delivered a hail of foul-mouthed abuse at po- lice sent to arrest her during a do- mestic incident. Anita French (52), of Capell


Close,Coxheath,was escortedout of a premises on Waverly Close just after 6pm on De- cember 14. She was


heard scream- ing at police: “Youare full of b******t” and“youare talking out of your ********”, before turning the tirade of filthonto one officer, shouting “you four-eyed ****”. Prosecuting, Julie Farvarce said


the officer later remarked that French’sbehaviourwasunaccept- able, adding: “I don’t come to work to listen to such language.” Maidstone Magistrates Court heard that French has previously


received two racial public matter orders and in 2017, a conditional discharge for being drunk and disorderly. French has an on/off relationship with a man where “one party is a greater drinker than the other”, said Tobias Bur- roughs, defending. Mr Burroughs told magistrates


inMaidstone: “She was shocked at the level of language used at the police officers. She accepts that she should not have used it.” As French’s mobile phone


started ringing in the dock just as Mr Burroughs was pleading her case, Chairman of the bench Nigel Coxmouthed to the defen- dant “Switch it off”. Chairman of the bench Nigel


Cox fined French £195 and said: “Police are just doing a job and don’t deserve to be on the end of all that. Your history over the last two and a half years is simply not good.”


quires removal of the buildings and therefore its purpose is to remedy the breach and no lesser steps could achieve that purpose.” ButMr Stratulat struck a defiant


note, declaring: “Iwill have a look at the inspector’s report and Iwill decidewhat to do next. “ Asked what he might do, he


replied: “TheHighCourt,maybe.” Ordinarily, the Secretary of State


for Communities and Local Gov- ernment is the top official for plan- ning decisions.


Orchid care


MAIDSTONE Horticultural Soci- ety is hosting a talk on February 7 on the topic of “BeginnerOrchids” by Christine Bartlett. It takes place at the Baptist


Church in Knightrider Street at 7.30pm. Christine will advise on caring for orchids andgetting them to flower. Call 01622 761423. Entry is free (£2 for non-members).


Felting date


NATURElovers can turn theirpas- sion into art at the Kent Wildlife Trust on February 9. LynseyHylandwill take partici-


pants through the process of nee- dle-felting a toadstool. Tickets are £35. Call 01622 662012 or go to www.kentwildlifetrust.org.uk.


Art on show


WORK by the exhibitors on the Maidstone Young Artist Awards’ shortlist will be on show at the town’smuseumbetween February 9 and April 21. Visitors can vote for their favouritework in the free exhibition. Call 01622 602838.


Maidstone East February 2019 19


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