A government inspector who insists we must all pay more to park in the town centre to
discourage driving arrived for the final part of the local plan hearing – by car.

Robert Mellor is encouraging Maidstone Borough Council to hasten a 50% hike in parking charges and promote alternative modes of transport such as buses and cycling.

He has been charged with assessing all aspects of the town's future housing plans and has produced his interim report on the Local Plan, a document setting out the area’s housing targets over the next 14 years.

It backs promoting sustainable transport, such as cycling, walking and rail and buses, as a way of alleviating congestion from the 17,660 homes Mr Mellor says the borough needs by 2031.

But he admitted using a car to get to the session, and declined to answer further questions about his journey, saying: “I’m not doing an interview.”

Two days later, following KM inquiries, a planning inspectorate spokesman said a colleague had offered the inspector a lift to the hearing but where possible inspectors considering Local Plans tried to stay in accommodation within walking distance of hearing venues.

They added: “The examination is likely to require the inspector to make site visits often in locations not within walking distance or served by public transport, making the use of a car necessary.

“Inspectors will always ensure they make use of the most appropriate mode of transport.”

In his report, Mr Mellor noted Maidstone experienced “unusually high rates of car ownership and use”.

Mr Mellor believes the council’s plan to increase long-stay parking charges by 50% by 2031 lacked urgency, and disagrees with KCC’s assertion that further development could result in severe congestion.

Instead, he suggested developer mitigation payments would provide a chance for more sustainable transport.

In particular, he supported bus-prioritisation measures such as the extension of the bus lane in Sutton Road.

An earlier bus lane scheme using the existing grass verges was rejected by Maidstone councillors.

It is understood the council is considering a revised design.