MPs’ concerns ignored as Local Plan goes ahead

The government has decided not to intervene in Maidstone’s Local Plan.

In two near-identical letters sent to the borough’s MPs, Helen Grant and Helen Whately, the secretary of state for communities and local government, Sajid Javid, announced he would not be stepping in.

Both had written to him voicing concerns about development at junction 8, lack of infrastructure, a poor neighbourhood planning process and air quality.

Mr Javid said: “Wherever possible I want to allow councils to take important decisions without interference from central government.”

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) welcomed the decision and said it was confident it was in a strong position to adopt the plan, which sets out where to build 17,660 homes by 2031.

Mr Javid did acknowledge the MPs’ concerns and stressed he is able to intervene with proposals for junction 8 further down the line if necessary.

He also expressed concern about the borough’s apparent lack of communication with parishes regarding neighbourhood plans. He said the Department for Communities and Local Government would look to address this in its revised National Planning Policy Framework, which will be consulted on early next year.

Mrs Whately said: “I have done everything I can to make the voice of local people heard.

“Asking the secretary of state to look into the Local Plan was my last chance to have a say and I’m glad I took it.

“I am disappointed he has not intervened to prevent development at junction 8, but I remain adamant any future building there must be at a size and design that will not harm Leeds Castle.”

Mrs Grant added: “I am disappointed he [Mr Javid] was not bolder in his response but there are positives to be taken from his various remarks.”

She added she will continue to “actively and robustly hold MBC to account” over air quality and welcomed his commitment to new legislation regarding the role of local communities in the planning process.

Mrs Grant also wrote to Mr Javid last month after Staplehurst’s neighbourhood plan was seemingly ignored when MBC “slipped in” an additional site without due consultation.

Councillors will vote on the plan on Wednesday, October 25.

MPs Helen Grant, left, and Helen Whately, right, had both written to communities secretary Sajid Javid over their concerns regarding Maidstone Borough Council’s Local Plan, however, Mr Javid has written to both saying he will not be intervening