Kent Online

2 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Davina Jethwa

A “cowardly bully” who controlled “almost every aspect” of his partner's life and repeatedly beat and strangled her has been jailed. Alex Buckwell of Hollingworth Road, Maidstone, subjected his victim to “relentless physical and psychological abuse” during their relationship, even denying her privacy inside her home by using a coin to open a lock when she was in the bathroom. Buckwell also made the woman delete all her social media accounts and forced her to block or delete friends on her phone.

3 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Joe Crossley

But KentOnline now understands the authority could have to find around £100,000 more to pay for a 12-day extension to the inquiry – an amount it has not budgeted for. It comes after planning inspector, Christina Downes, decided extra time was needed as the evidence was taking longer to hear than anticipated - particularly discussions on highways evidence. The additional sessions will not take place for another four months, however, with the inquiry now expected to conclude on October 31.

3 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Davina Jethwa

Three fire engines have been called to trees and hedges on fire by a carriageway. Firefighters are at the scene near Ratcliffe Highway on the Hoo Peninsula, where heavy smoke can be seen billowing. People living or travelling in the area are being advised to close their windows and doors. Crews wearing breathing apparatus were called to the site at 12.30pm and are using hose reel jets to extinguish the fire. More as we have it. Environment Fire Kent Medway Davina Jethwa

4 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Alex Langridge

Plans for a “high-end” glamping site have been revealed as the landowners look to capitalise on the growing popularity of this kind of staycation. Harwinder Binning has applied for permission to install seven pods and retreats, and four barrel saunas with cold plunge at East Court Farm, in Chalk, near Gravesend. The proposed scheme also includes external decking areas, footpaths, parking, cycle storage, vehicular track, landscaping and recycling, and refuse storage.

4 days ago | kentonline.co.uk | Davina Jethwa

A block of flats, which left residents baffled after discovering a lamppost sticking up through one of the balconies, is being investigated. The development on the corner of Jeffery Street and James Street in Gillingham is being looked into by Medway Council’s planning team. Concerns for the block were first raised in November when locals also noticed wobbly brickwork repair on parts of the building.