Welcome to South Darenth and Horton Kirby, two different villages, but one community nestling in the Darent Valley in North West Kent. Two commuter villages just out of ear shot of the M25. Horton Kirby which has developed from hop farming and South Darenth which sprung up around the Paper Mill. This website is under the management of the Parish Council who will be happy to receive contributions from local organisations. This website is updated weekly.

** Public Enquiry Concerning Gypsy Site Opposite Village Hall **

Further days of this Public Inquiry were held on 31 March and 1, 9 and 20 April 2009 and it has now been concluded.

The Appeal by the gypsy family living opposite the village hall has been turned down by the Planning Inspector after 5 days of public inquiry. The family has been given 12 months from 12 May 2009 to leave the site and restore it to its original condition. In the lengthy response the Inspector took into account fully the circumstances of the family including their human rights but found that they did not override the flooding issues and the great harm being done to the Green Belt. The Inspector concluded that the loss of openness and the considerable impact even this small scale development has is causing serious harm to the green belt and the open space between our 2 villages. On the subject of flooding she stated that the site is undefended from the River Darent which has a history of flooding. She added that caravans would be highly vulnerable and there would be a serious risk to the occupants as there would be no means of escape from the site since Horton Road is also in the flood zone.

June 2009 Newsletter

Next Parish Council Meeting
Monday 6 July 2009

Village Hall - 7.30pm - All Welcome

Horton Kirby & South Darenth Village Hall

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