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Rob Schroeder, left, and his business partner Keith Cook are behind the Broomfield Park development
‘Garden city’ in sites call
ACALLfor sites tobe includedin the review of the Local Plan has included a request for “garden city” developments. Themove has sparked fears that
Otham Valley might be targeted for a 5,000-home scheme. One observer said Maidstone
Borough Council (MBC) may be looking to reach the targetwith “a few big projects”, which could in- clude the resurrection of theGold- ing Homes plan for thousands of affordable homes inOtham. TheMBCcallwent out to attract
potential schemes to satisfy an 8,000-home demand by central government over and above the 17,600 units in the Local Plan. One planwhichmay be submit-
ted is for a 900-plus eco village called Broomfield Park, near Kingswood, which backers claim could generatemillions of pounds towards a relief road. Rob Schroeder, who is behind
the project, said: “This will proba- bly be the last chance of a relief
road or a by-pass.We can help fi- nance it.” KCC Cllr Gary Cooke, whose
patch covers Otham, said: “I hope they are not planning to resurrect theGoldingHomes proposal. “Maidstone south east has taken
more than its fair share of addi- tional housing and we are cur- rently suffering the consequences of what’s already gone in with in- creased traffic and air pollution.” Other sites which may come up
are a 2,000-home site nearMarden, which villagers bitterly oppose, and a large mixed-use develop- ment atDetling aswell as specula- tive A20 developments near LenhamorHarrietsham. MBCis “asking landowners, de-
velopers and interested parties to propose sites for all types of devel- opment in the borough”. It adds: “Innovative approaches
may be required, such as planning brand new settlements or neigh- bourhoods following ‘garden city’ principles.”
Son’s drink-drive charge
A PROVISONAL licence holder took his dad’s car without insurance to go out drinking, a court heard. Ciaran Abrahams (21), of Bryant Close, Nettlestead, was stopped by
police just before 4am on February 17 after they noticed his dipped headlight was out. Prosecuting, Debbie Jones said: “Mr Abrahams was seen in an MG
Sport in Queens Road, and police proceeded to follow him down to Freshland Road where the vehicle came to a stop.” MaidstoneMagistrates Court heard Abrahams seemed to have been
drinking, and a roadside breath test confirmed he was over the limit, with 48mg of alcohol in his breath (the legal limit is 35mg). He was found to be a provisional licence holder, and had taken his dad’s car. Ms Jones said: “During the interview process, Mr Abrahams said he
thought insurance was for the car and not the driver, and he knew he hadmade a bigmistake.” Defending himself, Abrahams told the bench: “Iwas going through a
tough time with my mum who was diagnosed with cancer. I know it’s no excuse, and whatever the circumstances I will have to face them.” Abrahams was charged with drink-driving, driving without insurance
and without a licence. The self-employed construction worker pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 12-month ban and a £665 fine.
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