Podcast: Chilmington Green developer Hodson threatens to pull £30 million funding for A28 upgrades

KentOnline

A housing developer is trying to pull out of contributing more than £50 million worth of new infrastructure and community facilities - including a £30m major road improvement.

The future of the A28 dualling project in Ashford has been thrown into doubt as it emerged Hodson Developments wants to scrap or delay dozens of agreed commitments.

Also in today’s podcast, staff have been left in tears after their much “lifeline” charity store had to permanently close following a backdated rent increase.

The rental hike left them in £20,000 of arrears and meant it was unable to continue trading.

A plan to build 65 homes on what was once part of West Malling Airfield has been recommended for approval despite more than 1,500 objections.

The application, first submitted in 2021, has proved deeply controversial with a petition against the plans gathering hundreds of signatures.

A pensioner whose sinking house needs critical repairs says a council blunder has caused months of anxiety and cost him thousands of pounds.

He’s been told he even faces prison if he carries out any work on the 19th-century home in Herne Bay.

And, while most of us get ready for Christmas, a Maidstone man is preparing to row the Atlantic.

You can hear from Andy Purvis who will set off on the 3-thousand mile journey to Antigua to raise money for charity.