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Daniel Esson, Local Democracy Reporter

Daniel Esson joined the KM Group in September 2022 as a Local Democracy Reporter, covering second-tier local authorities.

Daniel Esson, Local Democracy Reporter

Popular pool now closed ahead of £20m renovation project

25 March 2025
Popular pool now closed ahead of £20m renovation project

A much-loved but tired swimming pool has now been drained of water ahead of a multimillion-pound, two-year refurbishment project.

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Lectures cancelled as uni staff strike over threat of job losses

25 March 2025
Lectures cancelled as uni staff strike over threat of job losses

Students have seen lectures cancelled as university staff strike this week over the threat of future redundancies.

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‘Without more money and power, Kent council shake-up could freeze county in place’

25 March 2025
‘Without more money and power, Kent council shake-up could freeze county in place’

How could the political landscape of Kent change when devolution shakes up our councils? Local democracy reporter Dan Esson gives his thoughts…

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Beloved concert venue could reopen in 18 months after multi-million pound refurb

22 March 2025
Beloved concert venue could reopen in 18 months after multi-million pound refurb

Expensive plans to renovate and reopen a beloved historic venue have been given the green light, meaning it could reopen in 18 months.

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What Kent could look like after biggest local council shake-up in 50 years

21 March 2025
What Kent could look like after biggest local council shake-up in 50 years

Kent’s 14 councils are set to be scrapped and turned into only a handful, so what will the future political landscape of the county likely be?

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Hundreds of homes and car park which would ‘destroy’ prized view approved

21 March 2025
Hundreds of homes and car park which would ‘destroy’ prized view approved

Divisive plans for more than 200 homes on the outskirts of a town have been approved, after they appeared in front of councillors for the fourth time.

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‘Asylum hotel’ claims rubbished by Premier Inn after far-right reports

06 March 2025
‘Asylum hotel’ claims rubbished by Premier Inn after far-right reports

A budget hotel chain has rubbished reports that two of its Kent premises are being used to house asylum seekers.

‘It’s easier to win the lottery than get an NHS dental contract here’

03 March 2025
‘It’s easier to win the lottery than get an NHS dental contract here’

Bosses at a new dental practice say they are being stymied in attempts to secure an NHS contract, despite a huge need for appointments locally.

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Battery storage plant plan for scrubland which could make millions

02 March 2025
Battery storage plant plan for scrubland which could make millions

A council has decided to press ahead with plans for a giant battery storage facility which could help provide energy at competitive prices.

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Dismay as council thwarts bar's bid to extend opening hours

27 February 2025
Dismay as council thwarts bar's bid to extend opening hours

Dismayed bar owners have vented their disappointment after a council rejected their well-received plans to open later.

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Plans for huge battery storage facility take step forward

26 February 2025
Plans for huge battery storage facility take step forward

Plans for a battery storage site the size of nine football pitches near a hamlet are progressing at a pace.

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Organic grocer improves food hygiene score after final warning over ‘unidentifiable’ mouldy food

26 February 2025
Organic grocer improves food hygiene score after final warning over ‘unidentifiable’ mouldy food

A grocery shop previously given a zero rating by food hygiene inspectors has been regraded after it was found to have made improvements.

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'The idea this will be just mothers with babies quietly living there is a fantasy'

25 February 2025
'The idea this will be just mothers with babies quietly living there is a fantasy'

Plans for a new vulnerable parent assessment centre to provide a supportive family environment have been labelled a “fantasy”.

Plans for 60 bed care home near historic building set for refusal over loss of woodland

24 February 2025
Plans for 60 bed care home near historic building set for refusal over loss of woodland

Plans for a 60-bed care home near one of Kent’s largest shopping centres have been dealt a blow by councillors over fears for woodland.

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Plans for 24-hour “budget” gym at disused carpet shop

21 February 2025
Plans for 24-hour “budget” gym at disused carpet shop

Plans have been submitted for a new 24-hour gym in a disused unit at a town retail park.

‘Don’t celebrate leaks – not every indiscretion needs revealing’

21 February 2025
‘Don’t celebrate leaks – not every indiscretion needs revealing’

After the Labour WhatsApp scandal, Dan Esson asks if we want to live in a world where politicians fear every personal indiscretion being publicised.

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Coffee shop bus owners told to move on from pub car park in planning row

21 February 2025
Coffee shop bus owners told to move on from pub car park in planning row

Owners of a coffee shop hosted in a bus are locked in a planning battle with a council which claims they have no right to be there.

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‘Exciting’ plans for £120m redevelopment of town centre

20 February 2025
‘Exciting’ plans for £120m redevelopment of town centre

Plans for a huge revamp of a town centre including a leisure centre, homes, a market hall and new footpaths have been altered after public feedback.

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Huge solar farm to power new Kent ‘town’ and make council £20m

19 February 2025
Huge solar farm to power new Kent ‘town’ and make council £20m

A huge solar farm is set to power almost half of a Kent ‘garden town’ and make millions for the council behind the plan.

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Controversial plans to let people live in Premier Inn for £790 per month

14 February 2025
Controversial plans to let people live in Premier Inn for £790 per month

The new owners of a former Premier Inn have backtracked on plans to rent out rooms for people to live in.

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