Daniel Esson
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Local Democracy Reporter @Kent_Online | 📥 desson@thekmgroup.co.uk | Opinions all mine
Articles by Daniel Esson
More than 1,500 sign petition against 1,500 homes
Campaigners say they want brownfield land to be used first More than 1,500 people have signed a petition opposing plans for up to 1,500 homes on land in Kent. The site between Sevenoaks and Otford has been earmarked for development in Sevenoaks District Council's emerging Local Plan, a blueprint for where housing and infrastructure could be built over the next 15 years. Campaigners say the housing targets in the plan are "unrealistic and inappropriate".
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.
European coffee chain plans to open first UK site at Kent business park near M20
The chain, which is based in Germany, could open a drive-thru in Kent A European coffee chain is looking to open one of its first UK sites at a business park just off the M20. Coffee Fellows, which is based in Germany, could open a drive-thru on Eurogate Business Park in Kennington, close to Junction 9. Plans have been submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) for new facilities on the edge of the business park, on land which is overgrown.
Plans submitted for 44-home estate on edge of tiny Kent village
The developers describe the site as an 'unproductive agricultural field' Plans have come forward for 44 homes in a tiny village. Developers Macar Homes have lodged the bid for the estate on the eastern edge of Chart Sutton with Maidstone council. They describe the site, off Plough Wents Road, as an "unproductive agricultural field".
'They've got to go somewhere': Dog walkers blast council's proposed ban at Kent beauty spot
Dog walkers have slated the plans as 'wrong', but the council insists restrictions are needed to protect wildlife Dog owners have insisted "we're not hurting anyone" as a council considers plans to ban pooches from a much-loved walking spot. Birchington dog walkers have slated the plans as "wrong", but Thanet District Council (TDC) insists the restrictions are needed to protect wildlife.
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.
Plans for more than 800 homes on former Broke Hill Golf Course in Halstead, near Sevenoaks, rejected
Plans for hundreds of homes on former green belt land have been rejected Plans for hundreds of homes on former green belt land have been rejected. The proposals for Stonehouse Park on the old Broke Hill Golf Course in Halstead, near Sevenoaks, included 660 homes, a 150-home retirement village and a new primary school. The land has been earmarked for development since 2019, when Quinn Estates originally sought permission for 800 houses, plus 180 retirement homes.
Rival protestors set to descend on Kent seaside town
Protestors are set to descend on a seaside town for an anti-immigration protest, with a counter-demonstration also planned at the same time Protestors are set to descend on a seaside town for an anti-immigration protest, with a counter-demonstration also planned at the same time. Images shared by the Kent Nationalist Movement are promoting the group's planned demonstration in Herne Bay next month.
Massiver Dover solar farm set for approval despite being branded 'blot on the landscape' Original
The proposed solar farm would be built on almost 330 acres of farmland, about the size of 186 football pitches 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’
Sharon Pritchard, head teacher said: "Dartford Grammar School for Girls is extremely proud to be a highly inclusive and culturally diverse community 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.
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 Original
Kent's councils were expecting to be abolished, but elections will now have to be held 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.
Canterbury restaurant Ola Hola granted late-night licence despite resident objections Original
The unit was previously a shoe shop and yoga studio, until plans emerged to open it as an Afro-Caribbean café and restaurant 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.
Free rural car parks will remain charge-free in Dover district after council confirmation Original
Free parking will continue at rural car parks across the district, following community opposition and a full review of parking services 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.
Veteran Kent counter-prostitution cop banned after contacting sex workers himself Original
Now retired PC Trevor Bonett had previously denied the allegations and said he just texted them as it "felt exciting" 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
Months of uncertainty may soon come to an end over the much-loved theatre's future 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.
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.
Up to 240 new homes could be built on Kent field owned by the Church of England
The 240 homes are planned on the edge of another newly-built estate 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).
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 Original
The beleaguered Kent water company admitted it lost around 100 million litres of water every day through leaks with constant outages leaving many without water '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 Original
Plans to impose £1.80 charges on some free car parks in Kent will no longer go ahead 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.
Plans to reopen historic Margate Winter Gardens concert venue move forward Original
The venue has been closed since 2022 but plans for a major refurbishment have moved a step closer 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.
Lyminge residents object to plans to turn former Age UK day centre into social homes for the elderly
Campaigners say the property should remain a community facility Opponents say they will "strongly object" to a planning application to redevelop a former village charity shop and dementia facility into social housing for the elderly. Campaigners in Lyminge say there are already enough over-55s homes, and that the property should remain a community facility. Everist Court on Station Road, Lyminge, previously hosted an Age UK charity shop, a dementia care service and a cafe.
Margate Bull's Head pub pavement licence application sparks neighbour objections
The Bull's Head pub in Margate has applied for a pavement licence to expand outdoor seating into Market Place Exasperated residents have condemned a pub's proposals for additional outdoor seating as "privatisation by stealth" of communal space. The Bull's Head in Market Place, Margate, has submitted an application for a pavement licence to position tables and seating in the square beyond its premises.
Plans in for 115 apartments on derelict Sittingbourne town centre plot
New images show designs for two blocks of flats proposed for a town centre – but the plans don't include a single parking space New images show designs for two blocks of flats proposed for a town centre – but the plans don't include a single parking space. Developer 7-Oaks Limited wants to build 115 apartments on land off Fountain Street in Sittingbourne, close to the railway station. The firm notified Swale council of the scheme last year, and submitted brief details in March.
New bar and apartments on Kent coast will 'improve area significantly'
A village bar is set to be rebuilt as part of a development including seven apartments A village bar is set to be rebuilt as part of a development including seven apartments. Proposals to redevelop the Levin Club in St Mary's Bay have been welcomed, with councillors saying they will "improve the area significantly". A planning application by developers Ralph Thompson and Sean Madden for the Romney Marsh building was first lodged with Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) in 2024.
'Incredibly disappointing': 300-home estate given green light near Whitstable
The site has been earmarked for housing for more than a decade
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.
Pool and darts club tucked beneath Whitstable railway bridge wins alcohol bid
A small leisure club tucked beneath a railway bridge has won a licence to open despite residents arguing its proposed alcohol sales are excessive
'It won't be a tsunami of buildings' - Sevenoaks council moves to final stage of 17,500-homes plan
Opponents claim the 'exceptional' district's targets are too high
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 Kent corner shops and takeaways can hire overseas ‘skilled workers’
Analysis of Home Office data found more than 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.
Controversial 2,500-home development near Sittingbourne narrowly approved
A commercial space, doctors' surgery, primary school and 'sports hub' are also proposed
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 low-affordable housing at 150-home Margate estate 'frankly insulting'
Plans for 150 homes on the 'disused and derelict' site of a former school have been slated as 'frankly insulting' after offering only half the standard amount of affordable homes
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 area loses nearly £500k in parking income after fee changes
The money amounts to almost 200,000 fewer car park trips across two years
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