New Application Threatens Kent Downs AONB Special Landscape Area in East Maidstone

9.05.00am GMT Sat 17th Mar 2007

Planning Application MA/07/0382 - Proposed Kent Clinic (Institute), Office Headquarters and housing

Maidstone is in the early stages of the Local Development Framework Consultation, which when complete will establish the future of Maidstone for the next twenty years. Our area will be particularly affected.

It seems that developers are determined not to wait for residents of Maidstone to have their say, and our Councillors to make the decisions as to what the face of Maidstone will look like in the future, and we now have a further planning application. This one is to the south and east of Newnham Court Farm, which if allowed, will automatically open the area to applications either side of the proposed access road. It is on the Kent Downs AONB Special Landscape Area, contravenes many of Maidstones existing policies, and will set a precedence for Commercial Development from The Eclipse Park right through to Bearsted.

The application has been called in by Councillor Patrick Sellar, will go before the Planning Committee, and not left to a decision by the officers.

Local Lib Dem Councillors, Dave Naghi, Patrick Sellar and Margaret Featherstone are objecting strongly to the above application. It is absolutely essential that as many people as possible make their feelings known. Details can be reviewed on the Maidstone Borough Council web site (see link below) or by visiting the Planning Offices at 13, Tonbridge Road.

Important Notice

It should be noted that the views expressed in this news story are those of the named councillors and of East Ward Liberal Democrats and, whilst constituting a strong strand of opinion, they do not commit members of the Borough Planning Committee to a course of action. Members of the Planning Committee will, at the time of determination, weigh ALL of the evidence put before them before forming an opinion. This is a requirement of government codes of practice and will be strictly adhered to and applies to all political parties.

Related Links:

Maidstone Borough Council website

Letter to planners - Newnham Court Clinic