downsmail.co.uk Planners must think again


I WISH to respond to the lead article in edition No 267, reference the success of planning appeals. It would be too simple to suggest that


the reason so many of Maidtone Borough Ccouncil’s planning commi�ee’s decisions are overturned by the Ombudsman, is that MBC got them wrong. What would be interesting to know is what type of applications these commi�ee members are referring to? Brown field development? Green field development? Garden development? Although not stated, it would appear


that the councillors are only referring to applications that MBC have refused. The fact that they are complaining almost certainly means these are decisions where MBC have refused the application for development of a brown field or green field site, only for a company, large developer or a legally-backed minority group to appeal and have their decision overturned. Perhaps these councillors could be


asked to tell us what percentage of the “garden grabbing” developments that the MBC planning commi�ee/planning office have approved, are subsequently overturned by the Ombudsman? I suspect the answer is close to, if not


ZERO. Members of the public, who have to


rely upon their own resources, complain about the blatant disregard for national and local policy perpetrated by MBC when the council seemingly collaborates with developers to carry out “garden grabbing” against government guidelines. The fact that these approvals infringe


on the amenities of neighbouring properties is totally ignored by MBC, and complaints to them and the ombudsman are ignored and dismissed as irrelevant. Rather than whinge and blame the


ombudsman when things do not go their way, MBC should have a very close look at their own procedures and performance to see if they are actually


doing what they are elected or employed to do. MBC planning commi�ee councillors


and its planning officers should, as a ma�er of principal, be applying policies and guidelines to look after the interests of Maidstone residents. Peter Mitchell, Via email


‘Modal shift’ hypocrisy


I READ recently that HSBC are to axe more than 600 car parking spaces and install bike racks to encourage staff to cycle to work. I also keep seeing the council’s “can


you share your car journey” signs. It made me smile after my experience


with Maidstone Borough Council and KCC. After finding it almost impossible to


park near friends in the Sandling Road area week after week, yet seeing a totally empty Albert Street car park with 90 spaces reserved for KCC employees every evening, I was prompted to put in a freedom of information request to MBC and KCC asking how many spaces they provided free of charge to their employees etc. during the working week. Neither responded within the legally


required time limit of 20 working days and it eventually took nearly six months to even get close to an answer. I was continually fobbed off, given incorrect & inaccurate information, (ie told Albert Street had 40 spaces - I actually counted 90), and told how difficult it all was. I finally had to press for an internal review. The results (approximated due to the


continually changing and obscure explanations) were:  KCC – 575 spaces, some allocated to individuals and with 643 permit holders.  MBC – 143 spaces at Maidstone House, permits for 214 staff, also usable in other Maidstone car parks if their car park is full, and 46 free P&R tickets for staff. So more than 900 staff have access to free parking. At a time when we are told


to embrace modal shift by the Lib Dems and our councils, when plans are in place to build even more housing on public car parks in town, yet professional staff at Maidstone hospital have to pay to park, how can this hypocrisy be justified? David Elsworth, Maidstone


Egrets? I’ve seen a few


I AM always interested in your newspaper’s coverage of Kent wildlife. Like many who have been in recent


touch about the growing numbers of muntjac deer, I too have seen and heard them in and around the Otham and Leeds areas, while out walking. I was also intrigued by the drift


eastwards of the red kite, which is in such abundance in Wales and parts of the West Country. Surely the habitats are here for them to thrive – as have buzzards in recent years. Once so scarce that one would stare


and wonder at their presence, the buzzard proves why it is the most common British raptor and able to move seamlessly across counties. So, I wonder if your readers are aware


of the increasing number of li�le egrets in the borough. They were once such a rarity – possibly blown in from Europe – but now they are fairly commonplace. To see them, I would recommend


anywhere along the River Len or rain- filled ditches. Like most herons, they are off before


you have a chance to watch them properly. But if you do come across an egret which has not clocked you, stand perfectly still for a minute or two before raising your binoculars to your eyes. Then watch a master predator at work! Here in Kent, we are so lucky to enjoy


such abundant bird and wildlife. Let us hope that the relentless drive to build houses all over the south east does not end up killing them all off. W McMaster, via email


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