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News and information for residents and visitors of East Malling, Kent, 18th September 2024

Crunch time for planning decision on Ivy Farm Development

Planning application TM22/01570/OA for a housing estate at Ivy Farm is due to be discussed at a meeting, open to the public at 7pm at TMBC Council Building, Gibson Drive, Kings Hill. You can register to speak by emailing area2pc@tmbc.gov.uk or telephone 01732 876025 or 876045

Larkfield 10k returns

Based at NIAB/East Malling Research and running two laps around East Malling and Larkfield, this popular annual event returns for another year. Starts 9.30 (when there will be a 15 minute road closure on Kiln Barn Lane). All welcome to run or support! To join the race or for more information, go here

East Malling Family Hub

Come and visit us at East Malling Family Hub Lots of fun activities for you and your children to play, learn, and have fun together.

Winterfield Lane Closure Plans Cancelled

KCC had authorised the closure of Winterfield Lane from 20th June until October for highway improvement works related to the Forty Acres development.

Following appeals to KCC to reconsider the decision on account of the severe disruption and inconvenience this would cause, it has been agreed that the closure will now only be during nights later on in the programme.

The works will now be carried out by reducing the A20 at Winterfield Lane/Lunsford Lane junctions to one lane and there will be temporary 3 way lights at the top end of Winterfield Lane where it meets Chapman Way.

Maidstone BC opposes Bradbourne Scheme

Maidstone Borough Council planning committee has added its objections to the Bradbourne community village proposal, citing congestion on Hermitage Lane. Access points include two on Hermitage Lane, near Barming Station.

Cllr Stan Forecast said Maidstone needed “to send a clear message to both Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and to the developer”. Tonbridge and Malling BC would stand to benefit from the Section 106 monies and the council tax generated by the new homes, but the pressure on infrastructure would fall on Maidstone.

Council leader Stuart Jeffery (Green) proposed Maidstone reject the application, and his motion was unanimously agreed.

The application could still be approved by Tonbridge and Malling council, which, as it is currently without an up-to-date Local Plan, is hampered in its ability to resist planning applications, despite clear local opposition expressed at public meetings in East Malling and Ditton.