Kentish Express Ashford & District
Probe over ‘Large Burton’ comments
Developer Quinn Estates says it has sacked one member of staff and disciplined another after suspicious support comments were left on a controversial 750-home planning application.
Bosses at the prolific development company say they have taken action after two members of staff used their own private social media accounts to reach out to people they knew to encourage them to support the Conningbrook Park scheme.
Chiefs want to build the so-called Large Burton estate on fields off Willesborough Road in Kennington and have submitted a hybrid application to Ashford Borough Council (ABC).
But ABC launched an investigation after a number of comments - some with incorrect road names or postcodes - appeared on the authority’s planning portal.
Concern was also raised over a Facebook group chat started by a Quinn Estates employee.
In a message sent to the group chat’s 50 members, the worker stated: “If you would like to support this new development you don’t need to do anything as I can submit a letter on your behalf so would just need your full postal address.”
In response to the concerns, Quinn Estates said: “Two members of staff, acting without the authority of Quinn Estates, have used their own private social media channels to reach out to people they knew to encourage them to support our Conningbrook Park scheme.
“It is entirely appropriate for property developers to seek support from the public, businesses and other interested parties for schemes and projects they wish to promote but the actions of the pair in this case is clearly unacceptable. “As a result of what has occurred disciplinary action has been taken, with one member of staff dismissed with immediate effect.
“Thanks to this being brought to our attention, we have also launched a review of our internal processes to ensure correct procedures are followed at all times and sufficient training is in place to ensure this doesn’t happen again.”