Government urged to halt Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, housing development
10:15, 12 December 2019
updated: 10:16, 12 December 2019
The Government has been urged to intervene to stop a huge housing development on the outskirts of Maidstone.
Colin Williams, who represents Aylesford South, has called in plans for 840 homes on land the size of 50 football pitches off Hermitage Lane and the A20 London Road.
The Gladman Development scheme, which features a primary school and improved links to the M20, was given the green light by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council last month.
At the time of its approval Cllr Williams was one of three members to reject the plans. Now, determined to halt the development, he has asked the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to review it - as has prospective Parliamentary candidate for Chatham and Aylesford, Tracey Crouch.
The Secretary of State has the power to intervene and order an inquiry if an application conflicts with planning policy.
Ms Crouch said: “It has been paused which is a good thing. My request is to demonstrate to higher planning authorities that this is a particularly bad planning application.”
“Everyone appreciates the need for housing but it needs to be in the correct place. I am worried about the infrastructure and there isn’t a strategic oversight of the already overstretched roads in the area.”
Cllr Williams added: “The infrastructure is absolutely terrible and 840 more houses means around 1,600 more cars. I just don’t think the roads can take it. If there is a crash on the motorway the whole area is affected. I just don’t believe the council when they say the roads can handle it.
“I would like to see the infrastructure to be completed beforehand and it is important to know that there are people out there who want to help residents.
“The process is on hold at the moment because of the election but after that an inspector will look into it, which will probably be after Christmas.
“I will be working with other councillors and the MP to gather as much evidence as we can to help our case. It is the last bit of green space between us and Maidstone - if it goes ahead you might as well get rid of the council and combine us and Maidstone into one organisation. We will fight this.”
It is understood a number of other residents have also got in touch with the ministry.
In the part of Hermitage Lane that comes under Maidstone, 899 homes have been approved or built, including 500 in Bluebell Wood - a scheme the council rejected, but was approved after a Government planning inquiry.
A decision as to whether the latest plans go to appeal is expected after the election.
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