YOUR TMBC COUNCILLORS

YOUR CONSERVATIVE TEAM IN BOROUGH GREEN

Circulated on 1^st May

Whilst canvassing, residents requested information re: The Local Development Framework and the pedestrian crossings in the centre Borough Green.. We hope therefore that the following  representing our understanding of these issues answers such questions but if you require further information please contact us by phone, email or in person.

Local Development Framework (LDF)

Isles Quarry - B.G.Sandpits - Land opposite Brickmakers.

Just over three years ago the Government introduced a new system for introducing and controlling development in England. This Local Development Framework as it was called would be introduced over a number of years by following a detailed procedure of public consultation laid down by the current Government.

The first stage of the LDF covering the Borough's Housing Strategy and Policy is about to be examined by an Inspector at a Public Inquiry starting on the 9^th May. The Borough's proposed Housing Strategy & Policy is to place most affordable housing near to facilities and public transport links in accordance with Government guidelines. In addition, 30% of any house building in any area of 5 units or more should be affordable Housing. The public. In accordance with government directives have been consulted several times on these issues and their views documented and published.

Under the LDF the public can request areas of land to be designated for specific purposes ie:

Housing, Industry etc. (These are not planning applications) the public under the detailed consultation process, which has been taking place, proposed several local sites for Housing. These have now been reduced to three as listed in the heading (all in the Green Belt) and these are being placed before the Inspector together with the Borough's proposed Housing Policy & Strategy. Several hundred local people have indicated to the Inspector their inclination to speak at this Inquiry - the Inspectors decision on this part of the LDF will be binding on the Borough with no right of appealin accordance with this Governments directives.

Whichever site (if any) is selected for housing by the Inspector it will still require a planning application in the normal way. If the Borough were then mindful to approve this then under current rules a further Public Inquiry would be required. Whether the current government will change this requirement is not yet known. Councillors under guidelines introduced by the current government, cannot state their opinions on any of these requests for development on these sites, until they reach the appropriate Planning Committee. Needless to say this is a situation that we deplore.

A point worthy of note. Even if Isles Quarry was nor selected this site already has had for many years a certificate of lawful uses based on historic industrial uses (Also known as permitted development rights) Under these "rights" the principal of (non housing) development as detailed in the certificate cannot be objected too. It is interesting to note that the new recycling facility was only granted a two-year contract by the owners.

Pedestrian Crossings Borough Green

We have actively supported these but the current proposed siting of the crossings in western Rd has been delayed, on our insistence, so the public and Parish Council could be consulted. Even though this is a KCC scheme they agreed to our suggestion at this more democratic approach. The crossing on the A25 between Western Rd and Dark Hill raises other important issues. It would seem, as happened when the crossing on the railway bridge was put in that the roads need to be closed for approx 10 days to build a crossing? As was recently demonstrated by a recent closure on this stretch of the A25 a detour of 20 miles is required for HGV's when this happens. What further proof do the Authorities need for a bypass? We await their next move.

Printed and promoted by Anne Moloney on behalf of The Conservative Party both of91 High Street, West Malling, Kent. ME19 6NA

( Interestingly, the Standards Board complaints against Sue Murray and David Evans for the apparent lies in the above letter was turned down. But they weren't exonerated !! apparently the Standards Board has no control over candidates election addresses !! Could it be that they expect them to lie at election time?)