VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
RADIO advise that in addition to the proposed development at Well Road there is another development which, if approved, would have serious implications for the character of the village so they request that you send in an objection now.

The proposed development is in Telston Lane and seeks to convert two existing fruit barns, belonging to New Barn Farm, into five residential dwellings. There are only seven houses in this part of the lane so five more five bedroomed houses, with very small gardens and very little car parking space, would create a huge increase in traffic. This development would affect not only the residents but the many walkers, cyclists, and horse riders who enjoy the peace and quiet of this area, the lavender fields and the North Downs footpath.

Letters of objection need to reach the Council by October 30th addressed to: Mr. A. Bryne, Reference SE/07/02652/FUL, Community & Planning Services, Sevenoaks District Council, P.O. Box 183, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1GN or e-mail: planning.comments@sevenoaks.gov.uk. Please visit the RADIO website at www.otford.info/radio for details of grounds for objection or email them at radio@otford.net for help and/or guidance.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Tonight (25th) Otford Folk Dance Club will dance to Ivan North with Bill and Eddie calling. All are welcome to a friendly evening of all types of folk dancing in Otford Church Hall, High Street (opposite 'The Bull') from 8 to 10pm. The caller runs through each dance beforehand and calls the dance as it progresses. The emphasis is on enjoying the dance with a friendly group of people rather than technical perfection in the dance. The cost for the evening is £1.50 which includes coffee or tea and biscuits. For more information please contact Peter George 01959 522105.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club are holding their AGM at 8pm October 31st in the Memorial Hall. The AGM business will be quickly disposed of and then a cold, Halloween themed, buffet with wine will follow. Following the buffet the entries to the homemade pudding competition will be judged and the Kirsch Cup will be awarded to the winner. Please enter a pudding as without them there will not be a competition.

Members free, visitor £5, queries to 01732 761359.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church café evening on November 4th has Climate Change as its topic and starts at 6.30pm in the church hall. You are invited to go along for an informative evening with coffee and cakes or, for more information, call Sue Ward on 01689 869081

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Tickets for Otford Scouts Bonfire and Firework night, 6pm Saturday November 3rd at the Chalk Pit, can be bought from PW Copus (the butcher), Otford Dry Cleaners or The Crown.

Buy early to avoid disappointment.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Barbara Darby’s latest video/DVD entitled ‘Otford Remembered 1907 – The Harvest’ costs £7 is available by phoning her on 01959 522709 and would make an inexpensive gift.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Another Development Application - Telston Lane
Another planning application threatens our village. Many residents raised objections last Autumn to the proposal to develop the fruit farm cold store in Telston Lane into 5 large houses. The application has been presented to the council again and we ask that everyone who protested last year send in their objections again - last year's letters do not count.
Like the application for Well Road, though on a smaller scale, this application threatens the essentially rural character of our lovely village. Telston Lane is a very narrow road (single track for almost all its length) with no safe passing points for cars or pedestrians. Many local residents enjoy walking their dogs there: it is a toll ride for horse riders, and many ramblers use it since it is part of the Darent Valley walk and the North Downs Way. And many villagers come to stroll along a country path, to enjoy the lavender in summer or see their children ride and play in safety. All this would be at risk, and the fringes of our village would become urbanised if this development is allowed. Please add your voice and stop yet another threat to Otford's rural character.
Please write to Mr A Byrne, Community & Planning Services Directorate, Sevenoaks District Council, PO Box 183, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1GN. Ref: SE/07/02652/FUL
Grounds for Objection include:
· The development lies within the Green Belt in a beautiful area designated as a Special Landscape and is not in keeping with its open, rural character.
· Change of character - the density will virtually double the number of houses on the edge of the village where one expects housing to thin out, not increase. This ‘urbanisation’ would completely alter the character of a rustic backwater, and is another threat to Otford’s rural quality.
· Loss of a local amenity - transforming a quiet rural lane, part of the Darent Valley Path and the Pilgrims’ Way footpaths, suitable for walking and riding safely into a road where these activities would become unsafe
· Road safety - increased traffic will be hazardous for cyclists, riders, walkers and other road users. The lane is only 7’ 6” wide and unsuitable for heavy traffic. The exit onto Hale Lane junction will become more dangerous, as will the blind junction onto Pilgrims Way.
· Wildlife, such as hedgehogs and harvest mice, would lose more of their habitat.
Thank you! Alison Graham

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Police hunt sex attacker
Police are appealing for information after a woman was sexually assaulted in Otford.

The incident took place at about 8.30pm last night in the Pilgrims Way area near Otford Railway Station.

A woman in her 40s was walking from the station when she was assaulted by a man. [more]

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford and District Wine Club are holding their AGM at 8pm October 31st in the Memorial Hall.

The AGM business will be disposed of quickly and then a cold, Halloween themed, buffet with wine will follow. After that the entries to the homemade pudding competition will be judged and the Kirsch Cup awarded to the winner. Please enter a pudding as without them there will not be a competition.

Members free, visitor £5, queries to 01732 761359.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Evening WI want to say a big thank you to all who supported their Boot Sale in September, the profits from which give them a healthy start in the new WI year. Another Boot Sale is planned for next year so watch this space.

Diana Jeremiah was re-elected President at their meeting on Thursday October 11th and members heard an excellent secretary’s report and treasurer’s clear presentation of the finances in the Annual Meeting which followed. On November 8th they will learn about Aromatherapy. Meetings start at 7.30pm in the Memorial Hall and visitors are always welcome.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church will be holding a café evening on November 4th in the church hall at 6.30pm.

The topic of the evening is “Climate Change” and all are welcome.

Please join them for an informative evening with coffee and cakes or, for more information, call Sue Ward on 01689 869081

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Little time to object to the planning application by George Wimpey (South East) Ltd applying to build 21 houses, this time with a 40% ‘affordable’ housing element, on the Well Road site.

Letters of objection should be addressed Mr. A. Bryne, Community & Planning Services, Sevenoaks District Council, P.O. Box 183, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1GN or e-mail: planning.comments@sevenoaks.gov.uk using case reference SE/07/02776/FUL to reach them before October 30th.

Please visit the RADIO website at www.otford.info/radio for details or email them at radio@otford.net for help and/or guidance.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Tickets for Otford Scouts Bonfire and Firework night on Saturday November 3rd at the Chalk Pit are now available from PW Copus (the butcher), Otford Dry Cleaners or The Crown.

Please buy tickets early to avoid disappointment.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Oast WI meet in the Memorial Hall at 9.30am this morning to see Jackie, who runs the tearooms at Hadlow College, demonstrate some new soup recipes using seasonal local produce for later sampling.

Everyone welcome, first visit free, second visit £3 and annual membership £26.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Barbara Darby’s latest video entitled ‘Otford Remembered 1907 – The Harvest’ costs £7 and is available by phoning her on 01959 522709.

The programme is also available on DVD, lasts 28 minutes, and would make a delightful, inexpensive, Christmas present.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Society meet at 8pm on Wednesday October 24th in the club room of the Memorial Hall. There will be an update on traffic issues and a short talk on keeping Otford a green and pleasant place. New members welcome.

SEVENOAKS CHRONICLE
Class size limits outrage parents
Class size limits have left some primary schoolchildren being taught material they have already learned, parents have claimed. Five pupils at Otford Primary School were held back from moving up to Year Five because the class had reached its capacity. [more]

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford - Precigne
There will be a Quiz Evening with a French flavour on Friday 16 November in the Club Room of the Village Hall at 8pm. Please apply for tickets @ £5 per head to include ploughman's supper to Jane Lawrey on 01959 522360 and bring your own bottle and glasses.

There will also be a Power Point presentation by two teenagers who recently visited Precigne, near Le Mans, France and an opportunity to see photographs of the visit to Precigne by adults in May.

We do hope you will support this international venture to ensure its success in bringing together young people in particular.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Christmas Menu at The Horns, Otford
Monday 3rd December - Monday 24th December (not Sat / Sun) join us for your office / friends seasonal celebration. The Horns Christmas Menu at £25.00 per person offers superb value. Please do book early to secure the date and time you would prefer. Telephone us today for availability.
Tuesday, 25th Christmas Day Lunch. Why not relax and join us to celebrate Xmas Day.
For all bookings, please telephone 01959 522604.
The Horns, 66 High Street, Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5PH

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Allotments Association was delighted to receive a “Highly Commended” certificate in The Sevenoaks District Council “Gardening For Wildlife” scheme. A conservation area has been set aside, to encourage & protect wildlife, and bird and bat boxes erected. Details of the flora to be found on site can be seen on their website. Their AGM will be held in the Hope Room of the Memorial Hall on Saturday and there will be refreshments available afterwards. otford.info/allotments.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Jumble Sale on Saturday between 10 and 11.30a.m. at Otford CP school, High Street. The PTA is raising funds for the school and there will be a small admission charge, but children will be admitted free. Refreshments will be available. If you have anything you would like to donate please ring Carol Wakefield on 01732 740973 as she will be doing a collection run on Friday 12th.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Scouts are pleased to confirm that tickets for the forthcoming bonfire and fireworks on Saturday November 3 at the Chalk Pit, 6pm start, are now available from either PW Copus (the butcher), Otford Dry Cleaners or The Crown. Please buy tickets early to avoid disappointment.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Well Road 64-66 is the subject of yet another planning application from George Wimpey (South East) Ltd applying to build 21 houses, this time with a 40% ‘affordable’ housing element. If you would like to object to this development, which will irrevocably damage the open character of this part of the village and inevitably give rise to serious traffic congestion issues, then you should write to SDC expressing your concerns.

The following points to take into consideration are location - the application repeatedly refers to the site as an ‘urban’ area and this is not the case as it is in a rural village, clearly designated as such in local plans. Local policy H10A states that no development of more than 5 units should be built in Otford.

Environmental - the site is within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. and Legislation strengthening the protection of AONB’s has been introduced in new Government policy PPS3. The site is also in a designated Area of Archaeological Importance which means that an archaeological survey should be undertaken before any building work is considered.

Design – the majority of the houses have 3 floors, all have high steep-pitched roofs not conforming to the character, scale, layout and context of the surrounding area. This contravenes Government policy stated in PPS3, paras 13 and 16.

Sustainability - the application makes much of the fact that the development is sited in a location within walking distances of local shops, services and public transport. In reality, everyone will use their cars. Residents would inevitably use cars as transport to local supermarkets and towns. This contravenes Government policy PPS1.

Traffic - the application uses traffic data taken in 2004 to make its case. Everyone is aware how much the traffic problem has increased in the village in the last 3½ years, especially around the busy Bubblestone/Sevenoaks Road junction. This element needs to be re-examined at the very least as increased congestion will inevitably result from the additional car movements generated by the development.

There is little time to object, please write now to Mr. A. Bryne, Community & Planning Services, Sevenoaks District Council, P.O. Box 183, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1GN or e-mail: planning.comments@sevenoaks.gov.uk using case reference SE/07/02776/FUL. www.otford.info/radio.

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Otford Remembered 1907
The Otford Remembered 1907 DVD/Video (as shown on Sept 15th celebrating Harvest) will be available shortly.
Did you miss the nostalgic evening? It would make an ideal Christmas present for residents who no longer live in the village. All profits go to local charities.
DVD / Video £7 local or £8 inc p&p
Contact Barbara soon to avoid disappointment.
Barbara Darby 01959 523339 barbara.darby@otford.net

NEWS ITEM SUBMITTED
Want to be an Antique & Collectables dealer?
We have large cabinets for rent in our busy centre. Please phone Angela on 07762 959225 for details or email beryl@otfordantiques.co.uk.

Otford Antiques & Collectors Centre
26-28 High Street, Otford, Sevenoaks, Kent TN14 5PQ

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Bonfire and Fireworks – A note for your diary. Otford Scouts are pleased to announce that this event will be held on Saturday November 3rd at the Chalk Pit, Station Road, starting at 6pm with the bonfire at 6.30pm. Tickets remain at £4, including a burger or hotdog, with children under 5 years admitted free. Tickets will shortly be on sale from village shops and details of stockists will be announced in a future issue.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Methodist Church would like to invite all ladies to a Women's Breakfast on Saturday October 20th at 8.30am in the Methodist church hall. They will be served with a continental breakfast and have the opportunity to hear guest speaker, Helen Cooke. The event will finish at 10.15am and cost £4.00. For more information please call Sue Ward 01689 869081.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Cancer Research table top sale starts in the Memorial Hall this Saturday at 10am, entrance 50p to include tea or coffee biscuits. Christmas gifts and cards, jewellery, Avon cosmetics, bric-a-brac and second hand books will all be on sale with profits to the fund. If you would like to make a donation or need more details please ring Julie Ford 01959 533126.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Poppy appeal campaign 2007 in the Otford area will, this year, concentrate on raising funds through local shops, schools, car parks and supermarket petrol stations as the door-to-door collections have been diminishing. Please watch out for their collecting boxes and give generously. If you would like a collecting box or need further details contact Peter Jeremiah, Otford poppy organiser, 01959 522981.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Otford Players need a man. Are you between the ages of 30 and 50 and fancy treading the boards, if so they need you for their March 2008 production of ‘My friend Miss Flint’ a light hearted comedy. This production promises to be good fun so if you fit the bill, or you know someone who does, please contact Marian on 01959 522856 or Chris on 01959 522637.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Flower arrangers are welcome at a luncheon in Knockholt village hall on Thursday October 18th in aid of the Knockholt Evergreens. Doors open at 12 noon with lunch at 12.30 and the show starts at 1.45pm. Gillian King Scott will give a demonstration on flower arranging entitled ‘wishing on a star’ and tickets cost £10 including luncheon and a complimentary glass of wine. Entrance by tickets only from Phyllis 01959 532385, Wendy 01959 5233301 or Jeanette 01959 5233884.

VILLAGE REPORT - KAY DRAKE 522727
Rockdale Appeal’s fund raising Fashion Show, Thursday October 25 at Dorton House, still have a few tickets available . Doors open 6.30pm with a champagne and canapés reception and the show starts at 8pm. Tickets £16 are available from Rockdale Appeal office 01732 458762.