Consultations

The final design has been influenced by feedback from a programme of consultation with stakeholders undertaken over the last 18 months, including bus operators, taxi representatives, disabled groups, Kent County Council, retailers and Town Centre Management.

The issue of access for all, including disabled persons in to the town centre has been taken very seriously from the beginning.  The new carriageway will have a kerb to delineate its route. Public transport including buses and taxis will be able to serve the High Street. This is not a shared surfaces scheme such as the one in Ashford.   A number of meetings have been held with representatives of the visually impaired, including Kent Association for the Blind, Guide Dogs for the Blind, as well as those representing physically disabled groups to understand their needs. Age Concern and Kent County Council’s Mobility Management Project Officer have also been involved and consulted. An RNIB Pan Disability Advisor has been appointed and has produced an Access Audit on the scheme.   A significant number of design alterations have been made as a result of these discussions which have been particularly welcomed by the Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Kent Association for the Blind.

The design team and council officers have held a public exhibition in the Chequers Mall on January 28, 2010 and 60 comments forms were filled in and returned. The overwhelming feedback from this event was positive and in favour of the proposals. The designs were also exhibited in the Maidstone Gateway from February 8 to 13. A website with an online feedback form was established linked directly from the home page of the Borough Council’s website www.maidstone.gov.uk. Feedback from consultation events has resulted in alterations and refinements to the design.

Through the planning process the plan was advertised and planning committee made a number of proposals to improve the designs including the addition of more trees. Planning Permission and Listed Building consent were granted in June 2010.

This work has been successfully concluded. The design team has given careful consideration to, and been able to respond to, the needs of all groups. The project now has the support of bus operators, taxi representatives, the disability focus group and most retailers. Consultation with the public has generated widespread support.