08
May
Marden Sports & Hockey Club – Statement
Marden Planning Opposition Group (MPOG) have received a short statement from Charlotte Hope, Chair of Marden Sports & Hockey Club asking us to publish this to clarify some points of interest, which are reproduced here:
- There are rumours circulating in the local community. These are the actual facts:-
- Marden Sports Club are now the sole owners of the new sports ground and have been since 20th August 2018. Marden Russets Hockey Club, Marden Cricket Club, Marden Tennis Club and Marden Netball Club are sections of Marden Sports Club.
- Alan Firmin Ltd were not involved in the construction of any of the facilities, nor did they fund the construction work.
- Frank Tipples is President of the Club having been elected in December 2016.
- Countryside were subject to a 106 agreement with Maidstone Borough Council to construct Marden Sports Club. They also sponsored the adult hockey section for a three year period.
- DHA were employed by Countryside as the planning agents for the construction of the Sports Club.
About Post Author
Alan Firmin Ltd is variously listed as ‘client’ or ‘applicant’ throughout all the Sports Club planning documents submitted by DHA, dating back to 2011, as available on the Maidstone Planning Portal.
The DHA ‘Information for Members’ Brochure, February 2019 (obtained under a FOI request) states that Firmin Ltd constructed the new Marden Cricket and Hockey Club north of the railway.
So to say that “Alan Firmin Ltd were not involved in the construction of any of the facilities, nor did they fund the construction work.” and “DHA were employed by Countryside as the planning agents for the construction of the Sports Club” seems disingenuous at the least.
Alan Firmin Ltd promoted the land for development and it is now clear why they were so keen to do so.
Weil spotted that involvement dates back so long . It would almost be impossible that a scheme of such magnitude was thought up over a pint the new club house. Of course the landowners and developers have been party to this as they are the same companies involved in both ventures. Are other proposals to be sort, obviously not. It will be a one option take it or take it scheme promising green spaces, community areas and no impact jargon all over the place. None of this true or achievable and as the development proceeds (to the detriment of current residents). The green spaces slowly get replaced with houses etc on subsequent amendments to the original submission. Born yesterday comes to mind.
Don’t know who to believe now.We just do not want any further development around the Sports Club area.
This whole situation is a hideous example of already wealthy landowners and greedy builders lining their pockets with no regard as to whether it is of any use to the community or society in general. Nobody could object if the intention was to build Council Housing. In fact the compulsory purchase of land for the provision of housing which is genuinely for the young and the less well off should be something we all welcome.
The present plans however are a disgrace. Shame on those who aim to cash in.