Joined-up thinking needed on plans
Two Maidstone council meetings were necessary to determine the debacle over wording that identified Junction 8 as a development location in the economic development strategy report.
The fact this discussion took place before the Waterside Park planning inspector’s decision was made known, frankly brings the governance of Maidstone council into disrepute.
The discussion was petty and a complete waste of time, but it did highlight there appears to be a hidden agenda being promoted which will not subside until the members take back control and follow instructions from the electorate.
In my opinion the net result of these issues at Maidstone council will result in further waste of resources and will give a clear sign to those who want to invest in Maidstone the council is not fit for purpose.
It is understood Waterside Park is likely to rear its ugly head again. The last time this happened the officers gave the developers the green light which ended up at an appeal – where they did not appear to give evidence, in person, to support the members’ decision to oppose the development.
I have been informed by Alison Broom, chief executive of Maidstone council, there is no hidden agenda, but whenever Junction 8 is discussed, I am not convinced. I am left with the impression someone is pulling the strings for development at this location.
Maidstone is part of Kent where there needs to be joined-up thinking rather than acts taken in isolation.
Consultants’ plans specifically prepared to highlight “landscapes of local value”, ie areas of the countryside that should be carefully considered for the benefit of future generations, were presented recently at another Maidstone council long-winded session.
This exercise appears to have been a complete waste of time because, on the following day, the council, guided by officers, supported the principle of industrial development at Junction 8, specifically Woodcut Farm (part of the former KIG site).
If the members want to cover the countryside in concrete, why don’t they just say so? Robert Sinclair FCA FRICS Forge Lane, Leeds