downsmail.co.uk


MP acts over housing plan


THE Secretary of State for hous- ing has been asked to “call in” a “damaging and inappropriate” plan for 840 houses between Aylesford and Allington. MP Tracey Crouch has written


to Robert Jenrick asking him to re- view the decision in November by the borough council, approving the development. She makes clear the damage she


says will be caused by the Glad- man development, off the A20 and Hermitage Lane. Miss Crouch, MP for Chatham


and Aylesford, says the develop- ment will have an “unacceptable impact” on infrastructure, which also raised concerns from KCC and Highways England. Her letter outlines her own fears


about “significant underesti- mates” of traffic flows and her be- lief that improvements by the developer to the Poppy Fields roundabout and the estate’s new link road will be too little, too late. She tells the minister: “The local


road network would be com- pletely overwhelmed well before the link road is completed, and for


those who use these roads regu- larly, we are sceptical they will provide meaningful mitigation in the long term.” She also raises the omission of


the impact on ambulances reach- ing Maidstone Hospital, adding that the removal of a promised GP surgery on the estate would do nothing to assist the area’s already over-stretched health service. She added: “It is worth noting


that a surgery promised for pa- tients in Ditton and Larkfield in a previous planning application has never been built.” She finishes: “It is hard to see


how the application takes fully into account key aspects of the NPPF (national planning guid- ance) in relation to the impact on infrastructure; the loss of a vital green buffer between Aylesford and Maidstone and raises serious concerns about the Local Plan pro- cess and community involvement. “Given the application clearly


affects more than just those that live in the immediate area, it is clearly of more than local impor- tance.”


News


Where there’s a Will there’s a way


Your Will can be a very powerful tool to help your loved ones. It can:


• Ensure your assets are left to the people you choose


• Protect your family - appoint guardians for your children


• Save your family tax • Give you peace of mind, a very valuable commodity


Curry house awards


THE Tamarind Indian restaurant, in Kemsing, has been named Asian Restaurant of the Year (Home Counties) at the Asian Curry Awards in Mayfair. Guests adding their praise to the


team, included the Mayor of Lon- don, Sadiq Khan. With a special mention for chef Abdul Masum, and the restaurant’s “exceptionally friendly service and warm, lively ambience”, he said: “By bringing the best of Asian culinary traditions to these shores, these restaurant owners have expanded not only the choice of food available to the


British public, but our very identity as an open, inclusive and multicul- tural nation.” The award was received by


Tamarind owner Suna Meah (pic- tured with his team), who described the moment as the best in his 30- year career. He hopes to extend the 70-seater restaurant for up to 120 diners. In Kings Hill, the Gufaa Raja took honours at this year’s Asian Restau- rant and Takeaway Awards. Owner Pabel Chowdhury re-


ceived the award for Best Restau- rant in Kent.


Just as you take expert advice when buying a new house or investment plan, it’s even more important to take expert advice regarding your Will.


If you don’t have a Will – now is the time to discuss your wishes. If you have a Will – does it still reflect your wishes and in a tax efficient way?


To review your current Will at no charge contact us today.


Canterbury 01227 643266 Maidstone 01622 69801 Tenterden 01580 7675


www.whitehead-monckton.co.uk


Whitehead Monckton Limited (no. 08366029), registered in England & Wales. Registered office 5 Eclipse Park, Sittingbourne Road, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3EN. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under no. 608279.


DM2019 Malling January 2020 5


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40