Childish actions of road protesters

I applauded Helen Whately in her column in the KM last week, for her comments on The South Maidstone Relief Road. In her article she referred to the number of signs that are appearing all around South Maidstone supporting such a road.

However, I have always had fears about people against the road wanting to tear down any signs they saw, but could not believe that anyone could be so childish.

But they are, and there has been a spate of signs being removed, and in one case dumped en masse on Willington Green (10 signs and some posts).

This is not vandalism, it is theft of a sign on private property and, in the case of those dumped, of littering. I believe both carry some form of punishment.

Can I ask through your columns that those responsible use the appropriate channels if they have an objection and not resort to such childish actions. Why is there no longer respect for other people’s views? Don Wright, Willington Street, Maidstone Local policy is subordinate to national policy and is enshrined within a Local Plan, which is also heavily influenced by the NPPF. National policy further dictates a council without an up-to-date Local Plan (or a five year housing supply) is virtually powerless to oppose speculative planning applications. Maidstone council does not currently have an up-to-date Local Plan - but is close to this goal.

Further, a refusal of planning permission in committee will lead to a planning appeal, and potentially judicial review or ‘call in’ by the Secretary of State. These can all result in the decision being overturned, with potentially a six figure financial penalty.

Government has shrewdly shifted responsibility (and blame) for unpopular planning decisions onto local planning committees in furtherance of its pro-growth NPPF. Judging from the letters page of the KM the tactic is clearly working. Tony Harwood, Maidstone Borough Councillor for North Ward