MBC Local Plan Review – Have your say

Maidstone Borough Council is reminding residents, businesses and stakeholders to have their say in the first stage of the public consultation on a review of its Local Plan which is taking place until 30 September 2019.

The consultation looks at the scope, themes and issues to be considered in the Local Plan Review MBC seeks to embrace growth and enable associated infrastructure, and is asking the public questions including:

• What could the Local Plan Review do to help make our town and village centres fit for the future?
• What infrastructure and services, including community services and facilities do you think are the most important for a successful new development?
• How can the Local Plan Review ensure we have an environmentally attractive and sustainable borough that takes a pro-active approach to climate change?

As part of the consultation, MBC is engaging with residents and stakeholders. The Council held an event at the Mercure Hotel, Hollingbourne which saw around 70 people attend, including the Chair of Hollingbourne Parish Council and the Chair of the Maidstone Area Kent Association Local Councils (KALC), Geraldine Brown, who said:

The Local Plan Review consultation is an opportunity for us all to have a say regarding development and is one that should not be missed.Working together at such an early stage makes perfect sense and offers everyone the chance to influence the outcome of the proposed infrastructure and growth.

MBC’s current Local Plan sets out the housing, employment and other development plans across the borough until 2031, decides how land will be used and what will be built where in the future. It also helps to plan, fund and co-ordinate the infrastructure which will be needed in support of the new development.

The Local Plan Review is a forward-looking document and reflects the priorities included in the MBC Strategic Plan, particularly Embracing Growth and Enabling Infrastructure.  Without the Local Plan Review there is a risk of the government taking some of our key local planning decisions, including approving sites which the council judges unsuitable.

People can respond online through https://maidstone-consult.objective.co.uk/portal/ or by email to [email protected] or in writing to Strategic Planning, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone ME15 6JQ.

Details of the consultation are available on the council’s website Local Plan Review Printed copies of the consultation are also available to view at Maidstone Link and at libraries in the borough.  The council will then consider all comments and these will help develop the Local Plan Review.

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