Latest news with #DartfordBoroughCouncil
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New town centre wardens introduced to make Dartford 'safer and cleaner'
Dartford Borough Council has introduced new town centre wardens to help support residents, visitors, and businesses. The wardens are part of the council's plan to make Dartford a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place. Their role is not just about enforcement; they will focus on community engagement, building relationships, and being a visible, approachable presence in the town. The wardens will regularly patrol town centre hotspots, providing guidance, reassurance, and a friendly point of contact for the public and businesses. They will also work closely with shopkeepers, security teams, and the police to share information, keep people informed, and help prevent anti-social behaviour. Jeremy Kite, leader of the council, said: "The new town centre wardens are the advocates and champions of Dartford's town centre – whether that's offering directions, supporting local shops, or calmly addressing behaviour that affects the quality of life in our town. "They're an extra pair of eyes and ears on the ground and an important part of our commitment to a vibrant and welcoming Dartford. "If you see them about, please come and say hello to them." While their main focus is on encouraging positive behaviour, the wardens have enforcement powers when needed. In cases of persistent anti-social activity, such as street drinking, littering, or nuisance vehicles, they will gather information and report it to the council or Dartford Town Against Crime (DTAC) for further action. The wardens will also report environmental issues such as broken street lighting, graffiti, and street cleaning, helping to ensure Dartford remains a clean, safe, and inviting place for everyone. Local businesses are encouraged to connect with the wardens via the council's radio network, where they will be the first point of contact for day-to-day support and quick response. The introduction of the wardens is part of the council's wider commitment to making Dartford a safer, cleaner, and more welcoming place for everyone. The council hopes that the wardens will help to create a more positive atmosphere in the town centre, benefiting both residents and businesses.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for battery energy storage site proposed
Plans have been unveiled to house more than 100 batteries in storage containers on farmland near a Kent village. Anglo Renewables has applied to Dartford Borough Council for planning permission for the energy storage facility in Greenhithe. Documents submitted to the authority on 29 April said the renewables firm wants to build a battery energy storage system (BESS) off Bean Lane in Greenhithe. It is not yet known when the planning committee will decide on the bid although a target deadline of 29 July has been set, while the public can comment on the plans until 30 May, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service. "The site comprises a 3.7 hectare [9 acre] parcel of land that is currently in agricultural use," the company wrote. It insists that as the proposal is "fully reversible", any land would not be "permanently or irreversibly lost," and only about half the farmland will be built on. BESS systems are intended to store energy, largely from renewable sources, so that it can be deployed into the grid when there is demand to avoid wasting energy. "The 104 megawatts of storage of the site can meet the average electricity needs of 215,000 homes for two hours," planning documents said The batteries themselves will be stored in metal containers "similar in appearance to a ubiquitous profiled steel shipping container." The site is set to have 24/7 CCTV coverage and fences all around. Anglo Renewables also say there will be a "biodiversity net gain" as part of their plans through a "broadleaved planting area" forming "an extension to Darenth Wood". They also propose that the development will only be temporary, and after 40 years the facility will be decommissioned and removed, and the land returned to agricultural use. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. If the UK has more renewable energy, why aren't bills coming down? Public inquiry into huge solar farm to begin University unveils £11m decarbonisation project Government approval for large solar farm Recycling firm bids to become first new tenant at Grangemouth site Beach electricity cable plans approved Anglo Renewables Dartford Borough Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for battery energy storage site proposed
Plans have been unveiled to house more than 100 batteries in storage containers on farmland near a Kent village. Anglo Renewables has applied to Dartford Borough Council for planning permission for the energy storage facility in Greenhithe. Documents submitted to the authority on 29 April said the renewables firm wants to build a battery energy storage system (BESS) off Bean Lane in Greenhithe. It is not yet known when the planning committee will decide on the bid although a target deadline of 29 July has been set, while the public can comment on the plans until 30 May, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service. "The site comprises a 3.7 hectare [9 acre] parcel of land that is currently in agricultural use," the company wrote. It insists that as the proposal is "fully reversible", any land would not be "permanently or irreversibly lost," and only about half the farmland will be built on. BESS systems are intended to store energy, largely from renewable sources, so that it can be deployed into the grid when there is demand to avoid wasting energy. "The 104 megawatts of storage of the site can meet the average electricity needs of 215,000 homes for two hours," planning documents said The batteries themselves will be stored in metal containers "similar in appearance to a ubiquitous profiled steel shipping container." The site is set to have 24/7 CCTV coverage and fences all around. Anglo Renewables also say there will be a "biodiversity net gain" as part of their plans through a "broadleaved planting area" forming "an extension to Darenth Wood". They also propose that the development will only be temporary, and after 40 years the facility will be decommissioned and removed, and the land returned to agricultural use. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. If the UK has more renewable energy, why aren't bills coming down? Public inquiry into huge solar farm to begin University unveils £11m decarbonisation project Government approval for large solar farm Recycling firm bids to become first new tenant at Grangemouth site Beach electricity cable plans approved Anglo Renewables Dartford Borough Council Local Democracy Reporting Service


BBC News
14-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Plans for renewable battery energy storage site in Dartford
Plans have been unveiled to house more than 100 batteries in storage containers on farmland near a Kent Renewables has applied to Dartford Borough Council for planning permission for the energy storage facility in submitted to the authority on 29 April said the renewables firm wants to build a battery energy storage system (BESS) off Bean Lane in is not yet known when the planning committee will decide on the bid although a target deadline of 29 July has been set, while the public can comment on the plans until 30 May, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service. "The site comprises a 3.7 hectare [9 acre] parcel of land that is currently in agricultural use," the company insists that as the proposal is "fully reversible", any land would not be "permanently or irreversibly lost," and only about half the farmland will be built systems are intended to store energy, largely from renewable sources, so that it can be deployed into the grid when there is demand to avoid wasting energy."The 104 megawatts of storage of the site can meet the average electricity needs of 215,000 homes for two hours," planning documents saidThe batteries themselves will be stored in metal containers "similar in appearance to a ubiquitous profiled steel shipping container."The site is set to have 24/7 CCTV coverage and fences all Renewables also say there will be a "biodiversity net gain" as part of their plans through a "broadleaved planting area" forming "an extension to Darenth Wood".They also propose that the development will only be temporary, and after 40 years the facility will be decommissioned and removed, and the land returned to agricultural use.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Orchard West Dartford's line up of events including drag bingo and craft cocktails
A theatre has announced a lineup of events for spring and summer. Orchard West has partnered with Dartford Borough Council for the season, which includes events such as a community fair, West End workshops, and drag bingo. The community fair, taking place on May 10, June 7, and July 5, will see local businesses, makers, and bakers showcase their products and services at the Acacia Sports Hall. On May 24, the Orchard West Theatre will host an open house event, giving the public special access to explore the venue. West End workshops, led by Larissa Alexandrovnia, are scheduled for May 27 and 28, providing masterclasses in singing, acting, dance, and directing. The Community Performance Platform will bring together local dance schools for a performance on the Orchard West stage on May 30. Themed 'Once Upon A Time,' the event promises a dance extravaganza featuring developing local talent. Open mic nights are set for June 5 and July 11, inviting performances in singing, dancing, poetry, comedy, dramatic reads, and music. Drag bingo, led by local drag queen Dee Star, will take place on June 6 and July 4. Attendees can look forward to lip-sync performances, banter, spot prizes, and full house wins. June 9 will see the Curtain Up Musical Theatre Open Mic event, where participants can sing their favourite musical numbers accompanied by Musical Director Steve Trill. Craft and Cocktails workshops are planned for June 12 and July 3, offering participants a chance to personalise a ceramic plate while enjoying a cocktail menu. The BIG Orchard Quiz is scheduled for June 13 and July 17, with teams competing for top prizes. On June 14, On The Hunt Productions will present an evening of up-and-coming talent and student recitals from the Barry De Jager school of music, accompanied by local band favourite Knights of Nevada. 'Dartford's Got Talent' will take place on June 21, with local talent performing for a panel of judges and the audience. A silent disco, a first for Dartford, will be held on June 28 as a Dartford Pride afterparty. Participants can dance to non-stop hits in the main auditorium with hi-tech headphones. On July 5, the House Edit will bring an Ibiza vibe to Dartford as Orchard West transforms into a dance music venue. The event will feature live mixing on stage by DJ Simon B from Raindrop Radio. An Evening With Anton Stephans is scheduled for July 19. The X Factor singer and Dartford favourite will share tales from his life performing in the West End and beyond. He will be joined by showbiz friends and local Dartford talent. The theatre is also planning to launch a community cinema club on Sundays, with film titles set to be released soon. All events are free to attend and aim to bring the Dartford community together. Organisers hope the events will provide opportunities for local talent to shine and for residents to enjoy a wide range of activities. For more information about the events, visit Orchard West's website or contact the theatre directly.