West Malling and Larkfield & East Malling Bulletin No 29 from Trudy Dean - don't forget tonight's Local Plan meeting!

Dear Neighbour,

This is a mini Bulletin to remind you that tonight, and on Monday, the two last local meetings are being held to advise residents on how you can influence the Government Inspector on the Local Plan. Local people have achieved a number of changes for the better in the Plan, so don't give up now! See below for meeting details.

I've also added a couple of bits of interesting breaking news on buses and tourists.

Best wishes,

Trudy Dean
Kent County Councillor for Larkfield, East Malling and West Malling

PUBLIC MEETINGS ON LOCAL BUILDING PLANS

Two public meetings have been arranged for you to find out the current position on local building plans.

1st November at The Malling School, Beech Road East Malling, at 7.30pm A joint Parish Council and East Malling Conservation Group Public Meeting. David Thornewell, Chairman of East Malling & Larkfield Parish Council, will explain the current position and how residents can make their views count.

Application on EMRS with access onto New Road, East Malling
Local Lib Dem councillors have been looking carefully at the planning application for 108 houses with access onto New Road, East Malling. The number of houses has been halved following concerns sent in by many residents about traffic congestion in the village. These plans will be on display at the 1st November meeting at The Malling School.

Monday 5th November between 4pm and 8pm at Church Farm, New Hythe Lane, a drop in session for Larkfield residents. There will be an exhibition of Local Plans and local Councillors will be available to help advise on how to respond to the Plan to help inform the Inspector

Breaking News

New Bus Route ... or simply losing the existing one?

KCC announced yesterday a new pilot bus service between Addington and Tesco Leybourne Way, via Leybourne, West Malling High Street, and East Malling.

Consultations will be held with local people, but there's a few things you should know.
Firstly, it looks as though this new route will mean the number 58, which links these villages direct with Maidstone Hospital, will be withdrawn.
Secondly, the route between Leybourne Chase and West Malling Station is a condition of the planning consent for Leybourne Chase, and must be provided in any event.
Thirdly, if this bus runs at appropriate times, it could provide at long last a bus link along New Hythe Lane to The Malling School for pupils living in north Larkfield, and links to West Malling High Street, Martin Square, Larkfield Library, and Larkfield Leisure Centre for people from the villages to the west.

Attracting Tourists to West Malling.

TMBC have announced that they are to use some Government grant money to work with Visit Kent on encouraging tourists to visit West Malling. Recognising the tourist potential of West Malling is welcome. But, since the Borough Council did not support the Parish Council and local people in their call for more parking in the town to be provided for in the Local Plan, where they are going to park?

EVENTS.

Saturday 3rd November 7.30pm East Malling Institute, Lib Dem Quiz Night. This is a social occasion not a political one! Tickets on the door or ring 01732 847415