* * * FORTY ACRES and the GREEN BELT * * *
Outcome of the Public Inquiry Awaited
Following the unanimous vote by the Area 3 Planning Committee to refuse permission for up to 250 dwellings at Forty Acres, Wates appealed and the Public Inquiry took place in December. The decision is now awaited and we understand this has been delayed pending the Inspector completing her site inspection which was impacted by lockdown.
To complicate matters, Wates have submitted a new Planning Application for Forty Acre field which is identical to the previous one. There is nothing to stop them doing this and it means that TMBC have to go through the whole consultation process again although this application is, in effect, on hold pending the outcome of the appeal.
You can read EMCG's response to that second application here.
And while all this has been going on, the Examination in Public of TMBC's new Local Plan with its crucial Green Extension between East and West Malling which was via public hearings has come to a halt after the Inspectors expressed serious concerned over legal compliance. TMBC have now responded to those concerns and the Inspectors' further response is now awaited.
Without trying to depress you even further, an application is awaited imminently in respect of proposals for 900 homes at Broadwater Farm. Developers are now looking to place the school playing fields north of Pikey Lane and to stop up that road. We will look at that application very carefully when it comes in.
To complicate matters, Wates have submitted a new Planning Application for Forty Acre field which is identical to the previous one. There is nothing to stop them doing this and it means that TMBC have to go through the whole consultation process again although this application is, in effect, on hold pending the outcome of the appeal.
You can read EMCG's response to that second application here.
And while all this has been going on, the Examination in Public of TMBC's new Local Plan with its crucial Green Extension between East and West Malling which was via public hearings has come to a halt after the Inspectors expressed serious concerned over legal compliance. TMBC have now responded to those concerns and the Inspectors' further response is now awaited.
Without trying to depress you even further, an application is awaited imminently in respect of proposals for 900 homes at Broadwater Farm. Developers are now looking to place the school playing fields north of Pikey Lane and to stop up that road. We will look at that application very carefully when it comes in.
Parish Council Campaign to Save the Proposed Green Belt Extension
EMCG has pledged £500 on behalf of its membership towards East Malling & Larkfield Parish Council's campaign to raise funds to help to meet the costs of challenging the Forty Acres planning application and for obtaining legal advice and representation for the Local Plan hearings before the Planning Inspector in the autumn.
To find out more about the campaign, including how you can make a personal donation, please take a look at our TMBC Local Plan page
To find out more about the campaign, including how you can make a personal donation, please take a look at our TMBC Local Plan page
About EMCG
East Malling Conservation Group (EMCG) was born in July 1986 having been conceived by a group of like minded souls who wanted to see that the fabric of the village and natural environment of the locality were adequately protected. Since that day in 1986 the membership has grown steadily and the group has increased in strength.
Essentially, the Group is concerned with the (real and perceived) over-urbanisation of our landscape and the insensitive nature of many local developments. This does not mean that EMCG objects to all change and development but looks to balance the needs of modern life with that of the value of the local heritage.
The watchword of EMCG is Conservation not Preservation.
Essentially, the Group is concerned with the (real and perceived) over-urbanisation of our landscape and the insensitive nature of many local developments. This does not mean that EMCG objects to all change and development but looks to balance the needs of modern life with that of the value of the local heritage.
The watchword of EMCG is Conservation not Preservation.