NEIGHBOURS have slammed plans for a “diabolical” estate with 170 homes – saying it’ll ruin their views and is an attack on the area.
More than 600 people have objected to the new housing estate near Ashford in Kent, with only two backing the development.
4
4
4
4
A group of locals said the estate would block views stretching for miles across the Romney Marsh.
They also claimed it would hurt local wildlife, spark floods and make the area overcrowded.
Resident Michelle McDonald said: “The roads in and around the village are in no way suitable for all the extra traffic this will lead to.
“There are issues with illegal and dangerous parking in the village now, which are never dealt with.
“Our GP surgery, school and sewage systems will not be able to cope with yet another housing development of this large scale.
“It would bring a huge increase in population to the village. The development will be an eyesore stuck on the top of the hill.”
Hallam Land Management plans to build 170 homes on the estate, two-fifths of them classed as affordable.
The developer has vowed to build a 6.5 acre park, a new road and flood defences near the homes, KentOnline reports.
It also promised and to keep the houses below two-and-a-half storeys and to protect the public right of way.
But local Martin Cotton said: “Enough is enough, plan or no plan. The building over Kent has gone on long enough.
“The infrastructure cannot cope with the population in these areas now.”
Hallam’s new housing estate would bring around 400 people to the village – increasing its population by about a quarter.
NHS Kent and Medway has asked the developer to fork up £146,000 to help ease the strain on local GP surgeries.
A local conservation group said: “This is a completely irresponsible and aggressive application which would cripple the area with traffic.
“The site which overlooks the whole of the Romney Marsh and would be seen for miles.
“It is on a prominent hill in a very sensitive area for wildlife. Any development would tower over the neighbouring village.”
BRICKING IT
But the developer said: “Our vision is to create a high-quality, landscape-led development.
“The new homes and community amenity space will seamlessly integrate with the village of Hamstreet.”
A spokesperson added: “There is an identified shortfall in housing across the borough.
“Ashford Borough Council is unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.
“Following the approval of this outline planning application, it is anticipated that final approvals will be sought.
“This will enable infrastructure works such as road junctions, pedestrian and cycle connections, and drainage features.”
Ashford Borough Council said: “A planning application for the development of this site for up to 170 houses is under consideration.
“We are not able to comment on the details of a live application but the impact of the development will be fully assessed.”
Less than one per cent of land in the Kent borough is thought to be used for housing – the lowest share in Britain.
