It is with interest that we have read  submissions by those who have moved to Marden because of the  nature of the village and what it has to offer them and their families. They have been impressed by the community spirit, the facilities available and the rural setting of a beautiful English village with its good communications. We were both born in Marden and have lived here all our lives  - a total of 156 years! Like our families before us we have always been involved in the life of the village and in the wonderful, caring community spirit which prevails. One of us taught at Marden school for 35 years and the other served on Marden Parish Council for 36 years and Maidstone Borough Council for 16 years. So we know the village. We know it well.   We accepted the fact that the village was expanding and have welcomed newcomers. Many of them are making a valuable contribution to life here and they bring fresh ideas which are valuable if the village is to flourish. The proposed development engulfs part of our old family farm,  the other part is now Southons Field. The Firmin family have in the past contributed generously to the village, they have given employment to many  and for this we are grateful. BUT we feel that this proposal is totally unnecessary, totally out of proportion  and is causing a lot of pain and uncertainty to many. It is claimed that the building of 2000 houses, two schools, large station car park, and  supermarket will be of value to the village. HOW? We think this outlandish plan should be scrapped and we wonder what is the real future of the area shaded green on the map?