Issue - meetings

The Corporate Property Manager introduced her report in response to a request for Weavering Heath to be registered as a Village Green.

Two members of the public spoke on this issue, Mr Richard Coward and Mr Keith Clark, with their main points summarised below;

·  That Weavering Heath is threatened by building developments within the Maidstone area;

·  Weavering Heath is not identified as a valid open space within the Local Plan and has been listed as one of four possible sites for a new school;

·  Some residents have lost faith in Maidstone Borough Council’s planning process;

·  The application for Village Green status would be more effective and shorter if submitted by the landowner;

·  Over 200 residents signed the petition for Weavering Heath to become a Village Green; and

·  Weavering Heath provides protection to local wildlife and a place for individuals to meet through both informal and organised use.

The Committee expressed support for the residents in having petitioned the Council to submit an application of Village Green status for Weavering Heath and felt the Council should support them by applying as landowner to register Weavering Heath as a Village Green.

RESOLVED: That

1.  The Committee endorse the petitioners’ aspirations for Weavering Heath be endorsed; and

2.  The Council applies as landowner to register Weavering Heath as a Village Green as requested by the petitioners.