Have a say on suggested changes to Local Plan
Residents, businesses and developers in Maidstone will now get a chance to comment on the changes to the town’s Local Plan put forward by government inspector Robert Mellor.
There are two lists of modifications: the main ones which the inspector believes are required to make the plan sound, and a second list of minor modifications.
Members of the strategic plan- ning committee were asked to approve putting the modifications out to public consultation.
But councillors were warned it was not the opportunity for them to comment on the changes themselves – that would have to be done through the consultation process.
The main modifications included reducing the housing target to 17,660 homes, changes to estimated housing yields on “broad allocation sites” such as Invicta Barracks, and more controversially changes to the criteria for provision of employment uses at Woodcut Farm in Hollingbourne.
Cllr Valerie Springett (Con) sought assurances from officers once the policies were adopted, they would be adhered to, but was told: “There’s a lot of grey in planning – it’s a matter of interpretation.” Cllr Clive English (Lib Dem) said there was really no alternative but to approve the consultation process or the plan would have to be withdrawn.
The consultation will run from Friday, March 31, to 5pm on Friday, May 19. Details can be viewed on the council’s website www.maidstone.gov.uk/ localplan