‘Business decision lacks an ethical dimension’
Church criticised over plan to build 75 homes next to cemetery
The Church of England has come under fire – from the sons of two former vicars.
Both are distressed by the diocese’s plans to sell the glebe field of St Peter and St Paul’s Church off Vicarage Lane in Yalding for housing.
Countryside Homes is seeking to build 75 homes there, next to the village cemetery.
Martin Johnson and Richard Bolsin have written to the diocesan secretary Geoff Marsh to protest.
Mr Johnson said: “We are both residents in Yalding and both the son of a late clergyman in the Church of England. Both our fathers served for many years in the diocese of Chelmsford as parish priests and canons of the Cathedral.
“We are shocked the Church is making business decisions which so patently lack an ethical and moral dimension.”
Mr Johnson said it was odd on national decisions the Church Commissioners had taken an ethical stance, moving away from investments in tobacco companies, for example, but locally no consideration had been given to the potential damage to the Church’s reputation.
“He said: “Support for the Church is contingent upon a good opinion of its work in the local community.
“In Yalding, we have an unusual organisation, which is not Church-based, the Yalding Church Preservation Society, of which I am a trustee and former chairman.
“This organisation has raised large sums of money for the church from the villagers generally, and depends on their goodwill for its success. The decision to sell the glebe land regardless of local feeling can only damage the society’s ability to operate successfully in future.”
In response to earlier protests, Mr Marsh had told villagers: “The land is not held for the benefit of the local community.”
Deputy Diocesan Secretary Matthew Girt said, “The Diocese of Rochester recognises that feelings often run high during discussions surrounding proposed housing developments. However, the Diocese is legally obliged under regulations set down by the Charity Commission to manage property (including land) in the best interest of its beneficiaries. This includes achieving the best value for land sales.
“Maidstone council requested information regarding potential development sites, and the land in Yalding was submitted accordingly. It has since been included in the local plan. Ultimately, this is in response to a need for more housing for local people in Maidstone.”
Tonight (Thursday) there will be a public meeting organised by the protesters at The George pub in Yalding High Street starting at 8pm. Opponents of the scheme have set up their own Facebook page – facebook.com/YaldingResidents
Countryside Homes has submitted an application – 16/508660 – to Maidstone council