We must defeat this development

Last week you published letters from councillors Mike Hogg and David Burton which appeared to support out of town development around Maidstone and at Junction 8 in particular.

It is a matter of public record that development at Junction 8 is opposed by Kent County Council, CPRE, Leeds Castle, and most, if not all, local residents who are represented by their local parish councils.

Additionally, it is also a fact that Cllr Burton who is the MBC Cabinet Member for Planning is also the Chairman of the Marden Business Forum (as properly recorded on the Maidstone Borough Council website under declaration of interests) whose members include Scarab Sweepers and ADL who Councillor Hogg cites as possible tenants for Waterside Park.

Only a few years ago local council-tax payers spent nearly £3 million via Kent County Council and Maidstone Borough Council successfully fighting development at this location and I suggest that most of the reasons then for blocking building then still apply.

Just now it does not seem the members of Maidstone Borough Council are considering the matter in a fair and honest manner and with regard to the wishes of the 23,000 residents who are represented by their local parish councils. John Cobbett Hollingbourne

I would not normally reply to Mike Hogg, but I cannot not let his assertions on Waterside Park go unchallenged. The opposition is widespread. All of the Conservative, Independent and Ukip councillors for the area are against the proposal, along with all 14 parish councils, several major residents’ associations and the Campaign to Protect Rural England.

In these circumstances I find it odd that Mike Hogg is singling out only those Lib Dems on the planning committee who opposed the application on planning grounds. No criticisms for his own party colleagues who came to speak against it, or for the Ukip or Independent members. It could not possibly be that Mr Hogg, is being political and seeking votes could it?

On his other points on Newnham Court he should note that the business community in Maidstone was solidly against this proposal close-knit community of Fant and its much loved Medway river hinterland. If you would like to engage please download and complete the questionnaire here http://bit.ly/1wd9Aln, or phone 020 7219 7107 to request a questionnaire by post.

Alternatively just drop me a line setting out your thoughts to Helen Grant MP, Constituency Office, Maidstone East Station Forecourt, Station Road, Maidstone Kent, ME14 1QN.