Project was meant to be underway

Work on the Keep Maidstone Moving scheme has slipped back to next year.

It was hoped to start phase one - the A20 roundabout - in May. However documents show the project has been pushed back to 2021.

Maidstone Borough Council officers recommend councillors proceed with the proposals despite the results of a public consultation “appearing to be negative”.

The latest report reveals many of the comments may be negative but are not related to the project specifically.

For example, 41% of people said there is a need to reduce building of houses to help with congestion on the roads, and 36% said a ring road is needed to limit traffic going directly through the town.

Comments which actually address the proposals focus on fears of money being wasted, plans being too short-term and a desire for other means of transport to be promoted instead. The report concludes although “disagreement to the scheme seems high”, most objections are due to “a feeling that what is proposed will not deliver the benefits it sets out to do so”, and many of the issues “cannot be overcome predominately due to the funding and land constraints.”

So, officers recommend proposals are carried out, as long as certain problems are addressed. These include an alternative solution to the Loose Road junction with Cripple Street and Boughton Lane in light of concerns raised by residents; an alternative design for the Wheatsheaf junction, although this will still require the closure of Cranbourne Avenue; and more engagement sessions with the public.

It is also recommended plans for the Sutton Road junction with Willington Street are not taken any further until “an alternative can be found which satisfies the requirements of providing capacity improvements and having a low impact on the surrounding vegetation.” And a further consultation will be carried out on relocating a Ragstone Wall on the A20 Ashford Road junction.