Lidsing Garden Community SPD

Object

Representation ID: 857

Received: 16/12/2025

Respondent: Antoinette Wilcox

I am whole heatedly against the proposed housing development at Lidsing although I know that he proposal has been approved by the Planning Inspectorate.

I am generally against this as it will destroy the natural history and heritage of the area and will impact the Kent Downs adversely - as the SPD conseeds, settlements in the area date back to medieval times or before

The buildings and the images of the buildings in the SPD look ugly and landscapes artificial and arenot in keeping with the rural character of the area which the development will spoil.

There is no or little consideration of the rich wildlife population that exists in the area - the green areas are very small.

Objection noted.
The SPD sets out guidance and principles across a number of key themes and topics, especially within 'Section C: Placemaking & Design Guidelines'. Each theme has a clear section which sets out 'Key Principles/Guidance' specific to each theme.
Officers consider it important for the SPD to provide sufficient context and explanation to enable future planning applications to address the full range of issues.

Object

Representation ID: 858

Received: 16/12/2025

Respondent: Antoinette Wilcox

I am also concerned that money will be spent on a health and well being style centre and GP surgery but there won't be the money to run it - where is the GP coming from and the Maidstone residents will use Medway's hospitals and GP.s because they are closer while all the council tax will to Maidstone Council. GPs are very thin on the ground and I think much of this will turn out to be a 'white elephant'.

The SPD states that initially Bredhurst Primary School will take in children from the LGD until a school is built - is there really room for this.

Many people have objected to this development, and I am concerned that it will turn out to be some sort of 'toy town' - a hotch-potch of ugly houses and a place to avoid like some other out of town settlements.

Objection noted.
The infrastructure Delivery Plan identifies how elements are funded which will be refined further through the planning application process.

Object

Representation ID: 859

Received: 16/12/2025

Respondent: Antoinette Wilcox

The aforementioned 14H ear marked for employment is an area for wildlife ground nesting birds such as sky larks, bats many other forms of wildlife - we don't own the land rather, we are custodians of it for future - there is little mention of this in the SPD - just a mere nod to biodiversity and a few bird boxes - wholly inadequate.

Objection noted.
Officers agree that a reference to the previous ecology work done for the Local Plan Review should be included.
Future planning applications will need to be accompanied by additional assessments of ecology and biodiversity which should be included in Appendix B

Object

Representation ID: 860

Received: 16/12/2025

Respondent: Antoinette Wilcox

It is, as part of the Kent Downs and the Capstone Valley, pleasing to the eye and beautiful views of the area can be seen from far and wide for example from the chalk downland escarpment that is the Darland Banks - being in nature and having views of nature has been proven to increase a person's immunity to diseases and to alleviate anxiety and depression.

It would be better to have an urban development near railway stations, restaurants, clubs and bars etc and Chatham Town Centre as well as that of Maidstone would be a better site - I believe it would be more prudent if councils got together and consider the future of housing looking to brownfield sites across Kent in order to fulfil housing targets rather than trying to keep wealthy developers happy by allowing them to purchase and obtain planning permission for large swathes of land in order to make large sums of money.

Medway is already very 'built up' and much of the green space has already been lost but it was left with the Downs and the Capstone Valley which will now disappear.

Objection noted.
The overall strategy and approach to future development across the Maidstone Borough area has been established by the Local Plan Review which was adopted by the Council in March 2024, following a robust process of debate and scrutiny via an independent ‘Examination in Public’. The preparation of the SPD was a requirement of adopted Policy LPRSP4(B).

Support

Representation ID: 861

Received: 16/12/2025

Respondent: Antoinette Wilcox

As a cyclist, I approve of having segregated cycle lanes and I think it is a good idea for provision to be made for the travelling community ie horses, livestock and caravans in order to preserve their itinerant lifestyle and heritage.

Support noted.