‘Fracas’ caught on camera as developer and residents clash after meeting

A row between a developer and residents was caught on camera after proposals for six flats on a “tiny parcel” of land were approved. The “fracas” outside Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s (FHDC) offices last week meant a planning committee meeting had to be paused as staff were called to intervene. KentOnline reporter Sam Lennon, who was in attendance, filmed part of the argument, which had already started between developer Leo Griggs and objectors, including Stephen Secular.

Mr Secular had spoken during the meeting against the plans for the three-storey block of six flats behind Earlscliffe Mews, off Folkestone’s Shorncliffe Road. He predicted future trouble “between existing and new residents” due to the close proximity of the homes. But the application was ultimately approved by members of FHDC’s planning committee.



After the decision, a verbal row broke out in the yard outside the offices in Castle Hill Avenue, which appears to have been sparked by Mr Griggs’ anger over what was said in the council chamber in opposition to the scheme. KentOnline’s footage records Mr Griggs saying to Mr Secular: “You just said there’s going to be a punch-up?” A woman responds: “No, he didn’t.” Mr Griggs also questions why Mr Secular swore, to which point Mr Secular replies: “Oh, you didn't swear? You started it.

” Mr Griggs, of Livingstone Homes in Folkestone, denies that. As Mr Secular and fellow objector Angela Adams walk away, Mr Griggs calls out: “Don’t lie about people.” He also shouts: “Are both your parents happy with you? Are they happy with you as human beings?” Mr Secular can be heard saying: “He’s provoking me.

” He also asked Mr Griggs why he is acting like this when he had won his application. Council staff were called outside to deal with the rising tension. The row last Tuesday evening could also be heard from inside the council chamber, with committee chairman Jackie Meade adjourning the meeting for five minutes until order was restored.

She told councillors: “Sorry, there’s been a bit of a fracas outside. We’re just trying to make sure our officer who went out there is safe.” This was the second time Mr Griggs’ plan for the six flats had been submitted.

They were previously refused in November and resubmitted in January this year. Mr Secular, as a public speaker at the meeting, had made a strongly worded statement against the application. He told councillors: “I am not anti-development but this proposition is a terrible development.

“The plan is to squeeze six small flats into a tiny parcel of land with extremely contentious access. “Not only will this squeezed-in block of flats create a lack of privacy due to it being a three-story development but it’s building up real trouble for the future. “If this development goes ahead I can easily see that there will be constant friction between the new occupants and residents of Earlscliffe Mews.

“Emergency vehicles trying to turn around and exit onto Shorncliffe Road forward will find it very difficult, bordering on impossible.” He added: "Poor access will inevitably lead to lead to protracted disputes and arguments between existing and new residents and I see nothing but trouble ahead.” In total, 23 letters of objection from residents were submitted over the scheme.

Ward councillor Liz McShane also spoke at the meeting against the project. The three-storey block will be built on brownfield land with three one-bedroom flats and three two-bedroom flats, plus four parking spaces. Access to the homes would be via an existing track road, off Shorncliffe Road, which is currently used to access garages for Earlscliffe Mews.

Folkestone Town Council and Kent County Council’s highway and transportation department raised no objections. Mr Griggs told councillors during the meeting: “I want to say personally to any neighbours who share the access driveway, we will liaise continually and in advance through the process and the fears and worries being forecast will not come to pass. “We plan to be your neighbour in every sense of the word.

“We as a company are in no rush for this construction project, so nothing will be thrust upon any neighbour at the last minute. We approach all our works in a friendly manner. “Disruption during the future occupation of the six flats would be minimal.

Flats are by nature leasehold and (people) will have to abide by the lease regulations, including the access way.” Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal Councillors voted five against one, with one abstention, to approve the application. KentOnline contacted Mr Griggs after the meeting and he was not willing to give an on-the-record comment.

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