Meeting of protesters postponed

The Hands Off Coxheath campaign group had promised to bring a large crowd of residents to Maidstone Town Hall today (Thursday) to lobby councillors attending the borough council’s planning committee meeting.

But it had to advise its supporters to stay away after the application from the Charterhouse Property Group to build 210 homes south of Forstal Lane was postponed to a meeting next Thursday.

Group spokesman Sally McDermid said: “This is a greenfield site and is much revered by residents.

“The proposed access onto Forstal Lane is ludicrous and will cause untold traffic problems as the traffic either travels down Well Street through Loose or up Stockett Lane on to the Maidstone South Orbital bypass joining Linton Crossroads.

“This is the biggest fight the village has had and will see yet another green field, home for wildlife and village boundary destroyed if approved.

“People are losing faith in the planning system and believe their views and objections count for nothing, that democracy is letting them down and that village life is fast becoming a thing of the past – they need to believe there is still hope.”

She said protesters would come next Thursday instead.

Planning officers are recommending approval, subject to conditions.