HOUSING CRISIS: Indy councillors call for Local Plan review extension

Tuesday 7th December 2021

TWO independent councillors passionately opposed to 5,000 potential homes at Lenham Heath have called for the borough's Local Plan review consultation period to be extended.
Cllrs Tom and Janetta Sams say six weeks is insufficient to mull over the council's proposed housing allocation until 2037.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is saddled with government targets which could mean 1,200 new homes each year.
As well as the MBC-led Lenham project, there are potentially 2,000 houses in Lidsing, in the Boxley ward, which has met stiff opposition.
The Sams will argue it should be extended until January 4 and will propose a motion to that effect at tomorrow night's full council meeting at Sessions House, Maidstone.
Councillor Tom Sams said: “This is an extremely important consultation which will shape and influence the borough's future for many years. 
"It is not a party political issue - it is allowing residents, parish councillors and other stakeholders an opportunity to have a meaningful input in the process.
"We would encourage residents to urge their local councillors to support the motion." 
Councillors will discuss the matter at the Maidstone Borough Council full council meeting on December 8 at Kent County Council's Sessions House (main chamber) at 7pm following a 6.30pm extraordinary meeting. The earlier meeting is to tackle the issue of returning to four-yearly elections.
MBC has reminded all "residents, businesses and other stakeholders" the consultation process around the review is still open. 

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