downsmail.co.uk


Borough ‘exceeding its housing targets’


MAIDSTONE has seen almost 50% more homes built in the past three years than were actually required, according to Government figures.


Unlike other parts of the county, Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) has not only met but ex- ceeded what was built into the 2017 Local Plan. The Housing Delivery Test com- pares the number of houses built against what is required by the au- thority's own policy in the form of a percentage.


In Maidstone's case, it con- structed 146% of its own target having built 3,787 homes, rather than 2,592. The council's Liberal Democrat leadership has consis- tently blamed central Government for imposing high targets on Maid- stone, creating the need for mas- sive developments such as MBC’s own proposal at Lenham Heath for 4,000 homes. But


opposition Conservative


borough councillor Jonathan Purle, pictured, said: "These figures tell a


different story and put the lie to MBC's claim that it's somebody else's fault."


But MBC claims the figure is misleading as the baseline for cal- culation is pegged to 2011. MBC, currently working towards its Local Plan review, will increase housing from just under 900per annum (pa) to more than 1,200pa.


County lines dealer jailed


A DRUG dealer who was arrested in Maidstone in possession of a county line mobile phone has been jailed. Wesley Odjoma (23) was searched after officers spotted him with two known drug users in an al- leyway in St Phillip’s Avenue. Odjoma, of Croydon, was arrested


and when his home address was searched officers found electronic scales and a razor blade that had co- caine residue on them. He was later charged with being


concerned in the supply of crack co- caine and heroin. Odjoma pleaded guilty and was


sentenced to three years and two months in prison. Investigating officer, DC Andy


Julier, said: “Another London dealer has found that they cannot deal drugs in our county with impunity. “All those involved in the supply of


heroin and cocaine should think twice before they choose to ply their trade in Kent.”


A VEHICLE was broken into in Castle Road, Allington, and a laptop was stolen. A group of young people damaged a


Fiat 500 parked in North Pole Road, Barm- ing, by kicking the doors and windows. Thieves broke into a stable in Forstal


Road, Boxley, and stole equipment in- cluding grooming kit, saddles and collars. A stolen bank card was used to make unauthorised purchases in Redwall Lane, Linton. A burglar broke into two sheds at a busi- ness in Hilltop, West Farleigh. Somebody tried to damage a house in Robins Close, Lenham, by throwing a jar at it.


A Land Rover 110 Series, registration V56***, was stolen from Green Hill Lane, Lenham.


Councils missing targets would face Government sanctions. The countryside charity CPRE (Kent) expressed “extreme concerns” to MBC leader Cllr Martin Cox that required infrastructure has not kept pace with house-building. Anti-housing campaigner Kate Hammond, of Lenham Heath, said: “The enthusiasm for house- building by this council knows no limits, despite what they say pub- licly. It is now a self-styled master- developer and have joined the ranks of the construction busi- nesses."


MBC said: “These figures…in-


clude a period of very low housing completions which were a factor of the economic downturn. “What may now appear as over-


delivery, is in part, this lag being rectified through the build out of existing consents...”


News MP welcomes a


new Costcutter A NEW Costcutter store has opened in Leybourne. The store in Hawley Drive was officially opened on March 24. It will offer local shoppers a range of fruit and vegetables, chilled foods, frozen goods, craft ales, lagers and spirits.


MP for Tonbridge and Malling Tom Tugendhat said: “A shop at the heart of Leybourne Chase will help everyone living here. “The past year has demonstrated


just how much we rely on our local shops and it is great that Costcut- ter have made this investment in the Leybourne Chase community.” The store will be open from 7am to 8pm Sunday to Thursday and 7am to 9pm Friday and Saturday.


Chocs to stay THE Thorntons branch in Maid-


stone will stay open, despite the chain shutting 63 stores nationwide. The chocolate shop in The Mall is a franchise, so is not affected by the company's decision, and is due to open again on April 12, when lockdown restrictions are eased. Thorntons has become another victim of the pandemic and the public's move to shopping online. Its Bluewater shop is shutting.


Border delay


THE Government has put off the introduction of border controls, which were due to come into force at the end of March. Minister Michael Gove decided to push the schedule back by six months until October. It affects pa- perwork checks on food and plant imports.


Physical checks due to come in July have been delayed until early next year.


Neighbourhood Watch Working to reduce crime. Call Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 or local police


A microwave oven was stolen from a property in Uptons, Headcorn. A garage was broken in Claygate, Shep-


way, and a bike was stolen. Paint was thrown over a vehicle in Sus- sex Road, Shepway. A vehicle was set alight in a field in Grigg Lane, Headcorn. Yellow and orange paint was daubed on a fence post in Plains Avenue, Shepway. Graffiti was sprayed on the side of a house and a vehicle in The Hardwicks, Headcorn.


A silver Volkswagen Touareg, registra- tion EA69***, was stolen from a lay-by in Common Road, Aylesford. Three young people were seen cutting down a tree with a saw in Robin Hood Lane, Aylesford. A blue badge was taken from the glove- box of a car in London Road, Aylesford. Thieves broke into an empty house in Cardinal Walk, Kings Hill. Two men stole a recently-delivered par- cel from a doorstep in The Hawthorns, Aylesford.


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Crime reports


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