The time for action is NOW!
Maidstone Borough Council calls this a “Scoping Themes & Issues Public Consultation” – quite a long title. But it’s a fairly simple concept, and we need YOU to help.
What is a Local Plan?
It’s simply a plan for the future development of the local area, drawn up by Maidstone Borough Council. It “guides” decisions on whether or not planning applications can be granted. It is more important than, but not to be confused with, the lesser “Neighbourhood Plan”, which is drawn up by Marden Parish Council.
Therefore, a “Local Plan Review” is simply a way for members of the public to give their feedback on the Local Plan. And that’s what we need you to do.
Important: there will be NO further consultation on the Local Plan until March 2020 at the earliest – which by then will be too late to have any input on the so-called Marden “garden village” proposal.
So we need you to take action NOW and have your say!
How do I have my say?
The public consultation on the Local Plan is open now:
https://maidstone-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/
All the Local Plan documents can be viewed at:
(There is also a hard copy in the library and in the Marden Parish Council office)
Please register above and HAVE YOUR SAY.
What should I write?
Update: MPOG have prepared a document with general tips on on what you may want to write.
The Local Plan Review has 8 “general” questions and 31 “technical” questions – phew! – but Marden Planning Opposition Group simply says: answer as many as you want. This is a public consultation, and lots of consultation replies will make our voices heard. You don’t need to answer all the questions. So:
- Tell them about the issues that you feel are real for Marden;
- Tell them your views on their idea of a garden community bolted on to your village;
- Or anything else planning-related that you want to mention!
By all means, read and digest the technical document and answer their questions to the fullest that you can – and we need as many technically minded people as possible to do this. However, most importantly, get involved. Even if you only write a few sentences.
We will shortly be adding some pointers for those who aren’t sure what to write. Please check back soon.
Other methods
If you can’t get the above Portal to work, then alternatively, responses can be submitted by by completing the response form found at www.maidstone.gov.uk/localplanreview and send it to Maidstone Borough Council either:
- By email to ldf@maidstone.gov.uk
By post to: Strategic Planning, Maidstone Borough Council, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, ME15 6JQ
I have questions about the Local Plan!
You may wish to contact Maidstone Borough Council directly on LDF@maidstone.gov.uk, or alternatively please go to the ‘Save Marden’ Facebook page and ask away there.
Will there be any meetings about this?
Yes. Marden Parish Council will shortly add an Agenda item to their Planning Committee meetings, which will be on the following dates:
- 6th August 2019
- 20th August 2019
- 3rd September 2019
MBC will submit their Local Plan to the Full Parish Council for the final response on the 10th September 2019.
Please come to any of these – listen to what they are saying on behalf of your parish, and be involved.
Note: Marden Parish Council have announced they will hold an open day on a future date TBC when the Call for Sites information gets released to them, at some point in September. Look out for their advertising of that and, overall, make sure you have your say on this matter. There may not be another chance for a while.