Twelve days after local elections that left Canterbury City Council in "No Overall Control", Labour and the Liberal Democrats have formed a coalition. Here are the main points we know, including agreement to scrap the eastern and western bypass proposals and city zoning scheme.

The concerns of Mr Baker - an outspoken councillor who describes local government as "swimming through treacle, while your hands and feet are tied together, at night, in Antarctic" - are well worth reading.

"Everything [seems to be] included with the aim of enabling an Eastern Bypass, which may not even be deliverable". He laments a lack of independent reports/modelling of surface water and sewage. He worries about consequences in coastal areas of the district if the Cooting Farm scheme is dropped but housing targets remain.

At heart, he's disillusioned by the process: "I have not felt I have had much ability to shape the Draft Local Plan as a councillor, on behalf of residents … I have felt a sense of disconnect between suggestions made within [workshops] and the outcomes from them."

Kentish Gazette, Thu 11 May 2023

This is the "concrete batching plant" (think silos, a mixer and conveyor belts) currently at Milton Manor, Chartham. The new site was approved (we think) at the final planning meeting of the old council. CARE concerns - as with the Chapel Down "winery" - are traffic (about 30 HGVs/day, on top of existing vehicles for fruit-packing) and more development in the AONB. Max Chesson's article includes views of concerned Bridge residents. Milton Manor House to be demolished and 95 houses built in policy C8 of Draft Local Plan (p39). Two larger developments are already underway: Cockering Farm (opposite River Stour, fishing lake and railway line) and Saxon Fields (further south east), totalling 1,150 units.

CPRE Kent planner Richard Thompson: "It is an unavoidable fact that it is people moving to the county rather than natural growth … that has driven population growth over recent years." … "It is CPRE Kent’s view the Standard Method is fundamentally flawed." … "Under the current system, local authorities are effectively punished if the market does not build, or plan to build, enough houses in their areas." … "Unsurprisingly, what is increasing is the number of second homes in Kent."

Kentish Gazette, Wed 10 May 2023

Nothing specific yet, other than confirmation talks are talking place and the cabinet system (rather than committees) "will stay for now".

Kentish Gazette, Fri 5 May 2023

"It hardly needs saying but if there was one issue that the Conservatives suffered a backlash over, it was housing development. ... The government’s own recent U-turn and a pledge that it would abandon top-down targets seem not to have cut through with voters. Unless it comes up with a way of convincing voters that it is on their side and not the developers, it will continue to be a fault-line for the Conservatives."

Kentish Gazette, Fri 5 May 2023

Daniel Esson speculates on how the new council might operate. Includes reaction from former council leader Ben Fitter-Harding, Labour group Leader Alan Baldock, and Rosie Duffield MP.

Kentish Gazette, Fri 5 May 2023

Reports and reaction as votes were counted in all the council districts.

Lee Castle wins with 851 majority; Conservatives lose 15 seats; Labour largest party; coalition possible; Labour gains Dover District Council.

Hedgehog Week this year begins Sun 30 April. Adisham has an active hedgehog population - find out how you can encourage them to visit your garden.