Daniel Esson
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Local Democracy Reporter @Kent_Online | 📥 desson@thekmgroup.co.uk | Opinions all mine
Articles by Daniel Esson
Student accommodation plans denied by council
Follow Student accommodation plans denied by council Daniel Esson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Mon, October 26, 2026 at 1:32 PM EDT A vacant Invicta Motors car dealership currently sits on the Sturry Road site [Local Democracy Reporting Service] Plans for a new student accommodation block in Canterbury have been rejected, after being described by councillors and residents as "overbearing" and "ugly".
Autism and ADHD costs surge amid increased demand
Follow Autism and ADHD costs surge amid increased demand Mon, October 26, 2026 at 5:12 AM EDT Awareness of how autism and ADHD affect women and girls has grown, the board heard [Getty Images] NHS spending on autism and ADHD services in Kent has risen from £640,000 to almost £29m in two years, and costs could reach £46m this year.
Plans for AI data centre approved by council
Plans for an AI data centre in Kent have been approved by Canterbury City Council. Era4, a British technology infrastructure company, sought planning permission for the site near the Shelford Landfill in Broad Oak, Canterbury. The company said the brownfield site, previously used as a composting facility and now for general storage, provided an "opportunity to make efficient use of land and to connect to an on-site source of renewable energy".
AI data centre gets approval in Canterbury despite water concerns
Residents worried about water usage and landfill stability near the new development Author: Daniel EssonPublished 13 minutes ago A controversial AI data centre planned for Broad Oak, Canterbury, has been narrowly approved despite significant concerns over water usage and the stability of the neighbouring landfill.
McDonald’s to open in Herne Bay after clearing planning hurdles
The fast-food giant's new location faced opposition over noise and smell concerns Author: Daniel EssonPublished 12 minutes ago A controversial new McDonald’s restaurant is set to open in Herne Bay after receiving the final approval needed for its rooftop ventilation and plant equipment. Concerns from local residents regarding noise and smells delayed the launch originally planned for 14th October, as they called for more attention to be given to the potential impact on the surrounding area.
Alcohol licence rejected after police objection
Follow Alcohol licence rejected after police objection Daniel Esson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Sun, September 27, 2026 at 6:54 AM EDT Police submitted images appearing to show the tops of shisha pipes on a surface above what looks like a dirty, disused toilet [Kent Police/Canterbury City Council] A shisha bar has had its alcohol licence application rejected after police lodged an objection.
Massiver Dover solar farm set for approval despite being branded 'blot on the landscape'
A massive solar farm looks set to receive approval – despite local residents' fears that a "beautiful area" of Kent faces being "destroyed". Nearly 1,000 residents have contacted Dover District Council (DDC) to share their opinions on the proposals near Tilmanstone and Elvington. Some describe it as a "blot on the landscape," while those in favour accuse objectors of being "Nimbys".
Rupert Lowe's comments on Kent school’s ethnicity data called ‘ignorant and divisive’
The leader of a national political party has been criticised for his "ignorant and divisive" comments about the number of white students at a Kent school. Rupert Lowe, leader of the right-wing Restore Britain party, posted on social media at the weekend criticising Dartford Grammar School for Girls' demographics. "The fact that Dartford Grammar School for Girls has gone from 52% 'share of pupils classified as white British' to just 7% in one decade is truly staggering," he wrote.
Almost everywhere in Kent to hold elections after move to scrap councils paused
The biggest shake-up to English local government for more than 50 years has been paused by the government. Kent's councils, which were reaching the late phases of their own abolition, will now remain in place – for how long is unclear. Elections are now set to take place in 12 local authority areas in the county next year. With the political landscape completely different from the last local elections in 2023, we take a look at what it could mean...
Canterbury restaurant Ola Hola granted late-night licence despite resident objections
An Afro-Caribbean restaurant has secured a late-night licence despite concerns over potential public "disorder". Several residents had expressed worries that the Canterbury street would see increased disturbance as a result of the establishment, but the local authority approved the application regardless. The premises on Burgate formerly housed a shoe shop and yoga studio, before plans emerged to transform it into an Afro-Caribbean café and restaurant called Ola Hola.
Free rural car parks will remain charge-free in Dover district after council confirmation
A council in Kent has formally announced it will not impose charges at free rural car parks, stating it is adopting a "balanced approach." Dover District Council's Labour administration initially floated proposals to introduce fees at several village locations in late 2023 and early 2024. The plans would have seen motorists charged £1.80 per hour for parking in currently free car parks at The Street in Ash, Eastry High Street, Wingham High Street and Reach Road in St Margaret's.
Veteran Kent counter-prostitution cop banned after contacting sex workers himself
A "predatory" Kent Police officer tasked with investigating human slavery and prostitution has been banned from the profession after it emerged he had procured the services of sex workers himself. Now retired PC Trevor Bonett had previously denied the allegations and said he just texted them as it "felt exciting" to be "liaising with a young lady".
Major update in fight to save beloved Kent theatre
A fundraising campaign is set to launch to help a town council purchase a much-loved theatre – despite the council believing the public asset should have been given to it for free. Sevenoaks Town Council (STC) will turn to crowdfunding to ensure the Stag Theatre, a community arts centre remains available for "future generations", a move described by some as "unpalatable" given its current owners.
Up to 240 new homes could be built on Kent field owned by the Church of England
The Church of England has revealed long-awaited plans for 240 homes on land it purchased in the 1980s. The proposed site is at the edge of the huge Finberry new-build estate in Ashford. The Church Commissioners for England, which manages the CofE's investments and land ownership, has submitted an environmental impact assessment scoping report to Ashford Borough Council (ABC). The document suggests the Church is eyeing a plot north of Avocet Way on the edge of Finberry.
Council launches campaign to buy local theatre
Follow Council launches campaign to buy local theatre Daniel Esson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Sat, September 5, 2026 at 7:53 AM EDT The council says it wants to secure the future of the Stag Theatre [LDRS] A local authority has launched a fundraising campaign to help purchase a theatre. Sevenoaks Town Council wants to raise £100,000 towards acquiring the Stag Theatre from its higher level counterpart Sevenoaks District Council (SDC).
'We have failed' South East Water boss admits during tense meeting with Whitstable locals
'We have failed', the new boss of the under-fire South East Water admitted to locals during a heated public meeting in Whitstable. South East Water (SEW) CEO John Halsall, who is six weeks into the job, admitted the company had "failed" customers, as residents said they had been "gaslighted" and did not want to hear any more "bull****".
Plans to start charging drivers £1.80 at free car parks in Kent scrapped
Plans to charge for free rural car parks are set to be scrapped after a council found it would cost more than it raised. Dover District Council's (DDC) Labour administration first proposed charging at several village car parks in late 2023 and early 2024. Under the scheme, currently free car parks in The Street in Ash, Eastry High Street, Wingham High Street and Reach Road in St Margaret's were set to cost £1.80 an hour.
Plans to reopen historic Margate Winter Gardens concert venue move forward
Plans to revive a much-loved concert venue have taken a significant step forward, with a final decision expected within the next few weeks. Margate's Winter Gardens has served as the town's principal concert and performance venue since its construction in 1911. The building was requisitioned by the military during the Second World War, largely devastated, and subsequently rebuilt in the post-war period, continuing to serve the community ever since.
New 300-home estate approved despite concerns
Follow New 300-home estate approved despite concerns Daniel Esson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Thu, July 23, 2026 at 12:15 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Plans for a 300-home estate in Chestfield, Kent, were approved this week despite 75 objections [Local Democracy Reporting Service] The approval of a 300-home housing estate in Kent has been described as "incredibly disappointing" by a local councillor.
City buskers may face fines for being too noisy
A council in Kent is considering fining street performers who use excessively loud amplifiers, despite visitors praising the atmosphere buskers create. Canterbury City Council (CCC) said it had received "an increased number of complaints" about amplification equipment in public, which prompted the consultation. The move would form part of a renewed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which allows councils to ban certain activities in specific areas and issue fixed penalties for breaches.
City buskers may face fines for being too noisy
A council in Kent is considering fining street performers who use excessively loud amplifiers, despite visitors praising the atmosphere buskers create. Canterbury City Council (CCC) said it had received "an increased number of complaints" about amplification equipment in public, which prompted the consultation. The move would form part of a renewed Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which allows councils to ban certain activities in specific areas and issue fixed penalties for breaches.
City buskers may face fines for being too noisy
City buskers may face fines for being too noisy A council in Kent is considering fining street performers who use excessively loud amplifiers, despite visitors praising the atmosphere buskers create. Canterbury City Council (CCC) said it had received "an increased number of complaints" about amplification equipment in public, which prompted the consultation.
Review into treatment centre hours 'concerning'
Daniel Esson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Sun, July 12, 2026 at 6:10 AM UTC The Kent & Canterbury Hospital in Canterbury serves a large population in east Kent A review into the possible reduction of hours at an urgent treatment centre has been described by an MP as "deeply concerning". The Kent & Canterbury Hospital (KCH), in Canterbury, serves a large population in east Kent, but has not had a fully-functional A&E department since 2005.
Skilled worker visas being used to hire shop staff
Hundreds of Kent corner shops and takeaways hold government licences which are intended for recruiting skilled workers from abroad, it has been revealed. Analysis of Home Office data by the Local Democracy Reporting Service found about 2,000 businesses and organisations across the county hold visa sponsor licences.
Hundreds of homes proposed for farmland
Follow Hundreds of homes proposed for farmland Plans to build more than 500 homes near Paddock Wood have been criticised as "more madness" by residents opposed to the scheme. The site, known as Badsell Farm, is located off Badsell Road and Maidstone Road and consists mainly of farmland. Forty per cent of the homes would be affordable, "subject to this being financially viable", say developers Dandara South East in planning documents.
Sites identified for 17,500 new homes in new plan
Sites identified for 17,500 new homes in new plan Sites for 17,500 new homes, including green belt land, have been identified in part of Kent to meet increased government housing targets. Sevenoaks District Council (SDC) leaders said they had "no choice" but to produce a new Local Plan, while critics warned the area risked becoming a "building site". The local authority has also identified sites for new homes in the green belt, which covers more than 90% of the district.
Plans for town to get its own council agreed
A Kent seaside town is set to get its own council. Thanet District Council (TDC) has decided to create a new town council for Margate. The process began in 2025 and the full council agreed to finalise the creation after 85% of participants across two consultations agreed with the plans. The new town council, which will help organise grants for community organisations and install benches, will officially come into existence in April next year.
Kent MPs say ‘enough is enough’ as they vent frustrations in Parliament as cllrs call for water firm takeover
Kent MPs and councillors have ramped up calls to nationalise the "dreadful" South East Water as the water company's latest failures were debated in Parliament today. The unpopular firm has apologised and promised £2.1 billion of investment into infrastructure, but has been accused of "rubbing salt into already open wounds" with its failure to prepare for the recent heatwave, leaving thousands of customers cut off.
Japanese ambassador's seagull selfie takes flight
The Japanese ambassador to the UK posed with a giant seagull statue during a visit to a coastal town in Kent. Hiroshi Suzuki, who has been the ambassador since September 2024, joined visitors in Folkestone during the recent hot weather. The diplomat has amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on social media site X, where he posted images from his visit on Tuesday. His post, also featuring images of him at Folkestone Harbour Station, has been viewed more than 200,000 times.
'Traffic chaos' to continue over sewage repairs
Southern Water said the repairs were to remain in place until 29 May [Daniel Esson/LDRS] Motorists are facing more than a week of traffic disruption as a collapsed sewer is repaired in a Kent town. Temporary traffic lights have been installed on the A28 at Wincheap since Southern Water began work on Monday, with local side roads also closed. Connie Nolan, who represents Canterbury City South on Kent County Council, said that the disruptions had caused "absolute chaos".
Kent's largest hospital trust asking staff to resign to cut costs
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Trust resignations need to 'weed out deadwood'
East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust (EKH) is offering employees one-off payments to resign [PA Media] Kent's largest hospital trust must "weed out its deadwood" after bosses confirmed it was inviting staff to resign, health campaigners have said. East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust (EKH) is offering employees one-off payments to leave their jobs as part of a Mutually Agreed Resignation Scheme.
Uni presses on with 2,000-home plan after backlash
Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield and campaigners from Save the Blean handed their petition over to John Duffy, University of Kent COO [LDRS] The University of Kent said it will pursue controversial plans for a large housing development despite more than 3,000 objections. The university put forward land north of its campus for development as part of Canterbury City Council's (CCC) draft Local Plan 'call for sites' process in 2024.
Controversial plans for 300 homes and new secondary school near Whitstable delayed
Controversial plans for 300 homes and a new secondary school have been deferred amid scepticism that the school will actually be built. The proposals for land at the now-empty Bodkin Farm in Chestfield, near Whitstable, were set for approval at Canterbury City Council's (CCC) latest planning committee. But members voted to delay a decision instead.
Southern Water unveils £42m sewage plan
There has been longstanding criticism over the water company's environmental record in the area [BBC] Southern Water (SW) has announced a £42m programme of works to tackle sewage spills, storm overflows and pollution incidents in Kent. The water company says the investment will target wastewater treatment works, pumping stations and sewer networks across across Folkestone and Hythe in a bid to improve resilience and reduce environmental harm.
Southern Water unveils £42m sewage plan
Daniel Esson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Thu 7 May 2026 at 3:22 pm UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. There has been longstanding criticism over the water company's environmental record in the area [BBC] Southern Water (SW) has announced a £42m programme of works to tackle sewage spills, storm overflows and pollution incidents in Kent.
Pub-goers unable to sit outside due to council error
A council blunder has left an historic square next to Canterbury Cathedral empty of pub-goers for the first time in years. The Buttermarket, opposite the Christ Church Gate entrance, currently has no outdoor tables or chairs after Canterbury City Council (CCC) gave councillors incorrect information regarding a planning application.
Large estate may be derailed by 400-year-old will
David Peerless argued the land earmarked for a major housing estate development in Birchington may still be bound to charitable obligations, according to a 17th Century will [Daniel Esson/LDRS] Plans for a sprawling 1,600-home estate on Kent farmland could be derailed, after a 384-year-old will emerged as the centrepiece of a High Court challenge. The development in Birchington, near Margate, has already been approved by Thanet District Council (TDC) despite almost 2,000 objections.
Could 1,600-home Thanet estate be derailed by discovery of 384-year-old will?
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Kent council moves forward with 23,000 homes plan despite protests
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Decision on 2,500-home village project delayed
Plans for 2,500 in Bobbing, Sittingbourne, have been delayed after pushback from residents Plans for a 2,500-home estate near a Kent village have been delayed in the face of protests from residents. Swale Borough Councillors voted to postpone a decision on the Foxchurch development near Bobbing, Sittingbourne, despite planning officers recommending that it be approved.
Council in Kent to heighten security after anti-immigration protests
A Kent council is heightening security measures in the wake of disruption to meetings by anti-immigration protesters. But even politicians who were targeted by the rowdy demonstrators say the moves could risk making public meetings feel less open or even make the chamber look "like a Russian court." In December last year, a Swale Borough Council (SBC) full council meeting was thrown into chaos and had to be paused after members of the public disrupted proceedings, shouting abuse at members.
Water firm will 'struggle' to supply planned homes
Daniel Esson - Local Democracy Reporting Service Sat, March 14, 2026 at 5:32 p.m. UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. South East Water faces a £22m fine for supply failures from regulator Ofwat [PA Media] A water company has said it may "struggle" to supply water to thousands of planned new homes in Kent.
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