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News Woodcut Farm plan approved
THE massive £47m redevelopment of Woodcut Farm, near Bearsted, has been approved. The applicants, Clearbell Capital
LLP, claim the site will attract 1,200 jobs to the mix of industrial units and office accommodation. Maidstone Borough Council’s planning committee passed two re- vised plans for the area off the A20, near junction eight of the M20. Despite years of impassioned op- position to the scheme, councillors now appear to have accepted the “reality” of the outcome. One of the most vociferous was Bearsted member Cllr Denis Spooner, who said: “The local com- munity fought tooth and nail to prevent it from happening four or five years ago, but we lost the bat- tle and we have to accept the real- ity of life. “I have to take my hat off to the
developers. They responded favourably and positively to ev- erything we asked of them and they have produced what I think here is a very, very good scheme.” Nick Berry, partner of Clearbell
School trusts
could merge A SCHOOLS trust with three academies in Maidstone is looking to take over three others in Kent. The Leigh Academies Trust
(LAT) and Brook Learning Trust (BLT) are currently in discussions about them join- ing forces in September. A decision is expected on March 25. A BLT spokesman said:
“The two trusts are working together, and with the De- partment for Education (DfE) and Kent County Council (KCC), to discuss the merger.”
fleet Academy in North West Kent,
It would involve The Ebbs- The
Hayesbrook
School in Tonbridge and The High Weald Academy in Cranbrook. LAT runs 29 academies for 18,000 students, 1,200 staff and a budget of £120m. The Head Teacher Board of the Regional Schools’ Com- missioner will decide whether to permit the takeover when it meets on March 25.
Lower speed limit agreed
A NEW 20mph speed limit has been approved in Larkfield after concerns over noise, pollution, and speeding. Councillors approved the scheme for about 4,000 homes, and detailed designs are now underway. County councillor Trudy Dean said: “It has taken a long time to get to this decision, but I am pleased the consultation result was clear. “I am particularly keen to make sure that the roads leading to the three primary schools and busy Martin Square, with its shops, medical centre and library, will be a safer, quieter and cleaner environment for children and adults.”
Funds keep ambulance ying
KENT Surrey and Sussex Air Am- bulance Service has thanked Tesco Grove Green for helping raise a total of £23,498.56 in its lat- est recycling scheme.
A spokesman said: “Thanks to you, we can keep flying high. To- gether, we can make sure our crews can be there whenever, and wherever, they are needed.”
An artist’s impression of the scheme, and right Cllr Tony Harwood
Capital LLP, said he was “de- lighted” by the result of the meet- ing on February 25 and hopes to deliver an “exemplar scheme”. Cllr Tony Harwood said: “I think virtually all of us on this committee have spent many, many hours working with officers with the applicants present. “If everything contained within
the amended plans is delivered, we will have the best scheme of its time in the country, in terms of the
progressive approach like land- scaping, renewable energy genera- tion, sustainable transport. “That is not to say this scheme will not put more vehicles on the road. That is why it is located where it is. I absolutely understand the local concerns, but this is the best scheme we are going to have.” Broadly welcoming the scheme, Cllr Eddie Powell said: “I am con- cerned whether the speed limits will be changed on this section of
the A20, because it is horrendous sometimes. “There have been accidents that
Kent Highways would be aware of and I am just concerned.” Cllr Ashleigh Kimmance claimed the presence of more lor- ries would “actually slow the traf- fic down” because of the road being on a bend. He said: “It is a treacherous bit of road and it would be advisable to lower the speed limit to at least 50mph.”
Arrests after
driver attack A GROUP of teenagers were ar- rested after they assaulted a de- livery man in Maidstone. Three boys, aged 16, 15 and 13,
were arrested in connection with the incident in Wharf Road. A police spokesman said: “The
boys were later bailed to return to the police station on March 15, pending further enquiries. “Any witnesses who have not
yet spoken to the police, or any- one who has information that could assist the investigation, is urged to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/33420/21.” You can also contact Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, or by completing an online form on their website,
crimestoppers-uk.org.
Argos in store
A NEW Argos store will open in- side Sainsbury’s in Maidstone. The Argos store will feature a
Pay@Browse area and stock thou- sands of home, toy and technol- ogy products.
The new store-in-store will open by the end of April and will be located near the frozen food aisles.
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