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Robert Boddy, Local Democracy Reporter

Robert Boddy joined the KM Group in 2023 as part of the BBC's Local Democracy Reporting Service covering Medway Council.

Robert Boddy, Local Democracy Reporter

‘Our village is plagued by power cuts and potholes - we can’t take more homes’

11 June 2025
‘Our village is plagued by power cuts and potholes - we can’t take more homes’

Villagers who suffer “horrendous” roads and frequent power cuts fear they won’t be able to cope with the influx of housing proposed by a new scheme.

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Praise for ‘sensitive’ and ‘sensible’ plans for 181 quarry homes

10 June 2025
Praise for ‘sensitive’ and ‘sensible’ plans for 181 quarry homes

More details have been emerged for plans to build hundreds of homes, a school and convert an historic barn into a wedding venue at a former quarry.

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‘Doge might be clever politics in the short term…but it’s really a load of tripe’

06 June 2025
‘Doge might be clever politics in the short term…but it’s really a load of tripe’

Local democracy reporter Robert Boddy doesn’t hold back when it comes to Doge’s arrival at KCC.

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‘It’s a no brainer really’: Dentist surgery and flats to take over former royal residence

05 June 2025
‘It’s a no brainer really’: Dentist surgery and flats to take over former royal residence

A historic house has been given the go-ahead to be converted into a dental practice and six flats in a town’s high street.

Work begins on 75-bed care home to relieve hospital’s ‘bed-blocking’ woes

05 June 2025
Work begins on 75-bed care home to relieve hospital’s ‘bed-blocking’ woes

Construction of a new specialist care home facility is underway at the heart of major waterfront housing scheme.

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Major flats scheme to unlock investment and give town ‘shot in the arm’

05 June 2025
Major flats scheme to unlock investment and give town ‘shot in the arm’

A major scheme to knock down buildings once home to a town centre supermarket and turn them into hundreds of new flats has been given the go-ahead.

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‘It’s disgraceful’: Council leader criticises Reform for ‘Doge’ letter

04 June 2025
‘It’s disgraceful’: Council leader criticises Reform for ‘Doge’ letter

The leader of one of Kent’s biggest authorities has taken a swipe at another council’s ruling party over a “disgraceful” letter sent to staff.

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African restaurant’s bid to open all hours rejected

03 June 2025
African restaurant’s bid to open all hours rejected

A restaurant which applied for a round-the-clock alcohol licence has been granted approval - but with hours significantly reduced.

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Leaders reflect two years after historic Towns’ election

03 June 2025
Leaders reflect two years after historic Towns’ election

Group leaders on Medway Council have given their thoughts on where the authority is and where it’s potentially going.

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350-home plan ‘last thing’ small village needs

03 June 2025
350-home plan ‘last thing’ small village needs

A village of fewer than 700 households could see an influx of housing that some fear would completely swamp it.

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Ofsted praise for council’s children’s services - but warning about staff problems

02 June 2025
Ofsted praise for council’s children’s services - but warning about staff problems

The education watchdog has warned that a council’s work to improve children’s services could be hindered by high staff turnover.

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‘Ageing’ hospital to receive £4.8m for repairs and upgrades

02 June 2025
‘Ageing’ hospital to receive £4.8m for repairs and upgrades

A hospital is to receive nearly £5 million in funding for improvements to its building to reduce waiting times and cancelled appointments.

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Council expands public question time - but requests ‘keep it clean and on point’

30 May 2025
Council expands public question time - but requests ‘keep it clean and on point’

Members of the public will soon have more opportunities to ask questions of their council as part of a six-month trial project to improve engagement.

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Former royal residence set to become dental surgery

30 May 2025
Former royal residence set to become dental surgery

A historic building home to a former bank and known for housing a King of England - before he fled the country - could soon become a dental practice.

Decision due on 319 flats plan on site of major town centre store

30 May 2025
Decision due on 319 flats plan on site of major town centre store

A major scheme to turn a former supermarket and outdoor sports store into hundreds of new flats is expected to be given the go-ahead despite concerns.

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Appeal launched against refusal of 26 flats on former quarry

29 May 2025
Appeal launched against refusal of 26 flats on former quarry

A planning appeal has been lodged after a local authority went against its own officers’ advice that blocks of flats should be given the go-ahead.

‘Huge boost’ as town secures banking hub after MP’s campaign

29 May 2025
‘Huge boost’ as town secures banking hub after MP’s campaign

A banking hub is set to open in a town centre just a year on from another banking branch closing.

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Disabled man’s four-year dropped kerb battle won - thanks to KentOnline

28 May 2025
Disabled man’s four-year dropped kerb battle won - thanks to KentOnline

It was likened to a “comedy sketch” and took four years to sort, but a pensioner’s battle to get a dropped kerb is finally over.

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Future housing and infrastructure blueprint to be unveiled

27 May 2025
Future housing and infrastructure blueprint to be unveiled

A document determining housing, employment and infrastructure in one part of Kent for the next 16 years is set to be published.

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Major homes and supermarket plans for gas works a ‘welcome shot in the arm’

27 May 2025
Major homes and supermarket plans for gas works a ‘welcome shot in the arm’

A disused gas works could be transformed into hundreds of new homes and pave the way for the relocation of a “much-loved” sailing club.

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