Nightclub site set for flats

Nine new flats could be built in place of a private hire nightclub in Maidstone’s High Street if plans are given the go ahead.

Rafters nightclub, which sits above the Gem of Kent restaurant, could make way for homes.

The planning application, submitted in January, comes at the same time as it was revealed Chicago could undergo a refurbishment and reopen as Zee Bar. An elderly man faces spending years in jail after admitting trying to kill a manager at his retirement home with a meat cleaver.

Widower Fred Butcher pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Mina Turner during a brief hearing at Maidstone Crown Court.

The 79-year-old struck the victim on the back of the head with the blunt end of a cleaver and caused her other serious injuries at Hengist Court in Marsham Street, Maidstone, on January 26.

Mrs Turner, 59, was left with wounds to her abdomen, a perforated bowel and liver damage. She also had fractured bones and permanent tendon damage to the wrist of her dominant hand.

Prosecutor Peter Forbes said on Friday Mrs Turner had recently been discharged from hospital and a victim statement would be sought from her.

It was a planned attack, he said, and caused long-term physical and psychological harm.

“There is permanent scarring and permanent disability to her wrist,” said Mr Forbes.