No council plans for Kennington…

I was pleased to read that Ian Wolverson is still taking an interest in the development of Ashford, even in an area on the opposite side of the town to what will be Chilmington Green (KE, February 11).

However, I was disappointed that he stated the Kennington land is “clearly destined for development” in clear contradiction to the facts as given in the Greater Ashford Development Plan.

The plan was reviewed by an inspector in 2008 and the land in Kennington (now called KE2 to KE4) was comprehensively rejected as appropriate for development.

This was as a result of the council requesting it be removed from the agenda (due to the overwhelming objection of residents) and by Bovis removing its development application.

I hope Mr Wolverson and others will refer to the relevant document reporting the inspector’s decision – Ashford Urban Sites and Infrastructure DPD Inspector’s Report, pages 16 to 17 – which is still available on the ABC website.

I stood for election to the council to ensure all residents were involved in determining the future of the area they live in.

I was present at the council meeting when then leader the late Cllr Peter Wood stated that the residents of Kennington would determine what development was undertaken in their ward.

I am confident that the principle that residents determine what happens in their area is still the status quo.

If you disagree, or even agree, with the housing development, then please say so. Cllr Philip Sims Kennington ward, Ashford Borough Council The Express’s coverage of housebuilding proposals agricultural land is demonstrated to be necessary, local planning authorities should seek to use areas of poorer quality land in preference to that of a higher quality.’

Why waste taxpayers money by including this site in the new Local Plan and then having to defend the decision to the planning inspector once again?

It doesn’t make sense, unless the council wants to set a precedent that all highgrade agricultural land is fair game for development?

Or is there some other hidden agenda? Martin Hopkins Clarke Crescent, Little Burton Farm Chris Morley Kennington Community Forum chair