Response to the public consultation exercise regarding the LDF
April 21, 2007 8:46 AM
Dear Sirs,
I am writing to you with reference to tomorrow's deadline to submit responses to the Local Development Framework Core Strategy Consultation Exercise.
I would like to highlight the case of Fant Ward which I represent. Fant is an already highly densely populated neighbourhood and has recently been subjected to several major unsustainable developments many of which are crass examples of urban cramming. I have in my term as Councillor called for most of the major developments to be discussed by the MBC Planning Committee on the grounds that these developments do not adequately provide enough open space, are badly designed, too dense, do not provide enough parking spaces, with local amenities and infrastructures already overloaded etc, etc.
What I am most disappointed about is that built into these major developments are the social ills and problems of the future and my cries of sheer desperation are going unheeded. To expect families to live in these small overcrowded flats with little or no breathing space for young families to let their children play will result in some very behaviourally challenging children and adolescents. The recent closure of Roseholme Play area is a prime example of what disaffected and bored teenagers are capable of: the playground was vandalized, the nearby residents terrorized and the local corner shop fined for selling alcohol to the youngsters.
I work in St. Michael's Infants C. of E. School as a supply teacher. The resounding comments from the teachers who have worked at this school for over 15 years is that some of the children (this number has been rising steadily year on year) who come to this school are behaviourally challenging to put it mildly. One of the reasons stated is that these children live in cramped flats with not enough space to swing a cat. Yet more flats are being built apparently because market forces dictate. Walk into any local estate agent and ask them what is needed in the Borough. Flats are not selling and families are screaming out for affordable 3 bedroom houses. I accuse the Maidstone Borough Council Planning Department, the KCC and the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister for failing Fant Ward with regards to the bad planning policies, inadequate highway policies and poor provision of local amenities.
Therefore, I wish this LDF Core Strategy to be seen as a golden opportunity for Fant Ward.
(1) No more building within the Ward as Fant has had to suffer the most development in recent years compared to anywhere else in the Borough.
(2) I wish to see what little of the River Medway is still intact/untouched to be protected for future generations to enjoy. (Barrats Homes have ruined a very important stretch of the River near the crown Court where the river bank is now eroding).
(3) I wish to see all remaining countryside in Fant protected. I highlight the areas between the River Medway and Upper Fant Road, Gatland and Glebe Lanes. No more development here!
(4) All allotments within Fant need to be protected as more and more families are using these as a way to enjoy some open space.
(5) The local character of Fant needs to be preserved.
(6) Future traffic generation needs to be kept within reasonable levels.
Please can you ensure that my comments are lodged in the correct manner and I hope that these will inform on the LDF Core Strategy, thereby ensuring that my Constituents of all ages are guaranteed a sustainable, pleasant living environment in Fant.
Many thanks in advance.
Regards,
Cllr Nick Schnell
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