Plans that would have 'dramatically expanded' a Kent village with 140 homes have been thrown out
Ambitious plans to “dramatically expand” a small Kent village have been thrown out, much to residents’ relief.
Hallam Land Management described their bid for a new housing estate in Hamstreet, near Ashford, as having “significant benefits”, but others instead said it was “not needed and not wanted”.
More than 1,000 people objected to the proposal, which was originally submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) in February 2024. The first application was for 170 homes at the 35-acre site off Cotton Hill, Hamstreet Road.
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However, prior to a decision being made, the developer withdrew the application, and resubmitted plans later in the year asking for 140 homes instead.
While the first application attracted more than 1,000 objections, the second sparked almost 1,200 letters to the council from residents against the plans.
ABC’s planning committee hosted a packed meeting last week to make the final call, with council planning officers recommending it be voted down.
During the meeting, it was explained that residents of the new estate would be “reliant on private motor vehicles” as most of the village services are more than 800 metres from the site.
“Whilst there would be benefit from the provision of the affordable homes including the 40% affordable housing, I consider that the harms would outweigh these benefits,” the officer argued.
Owen Jones, acting as an agent for Hallam, attended to fight the developer’s corner. “Nationwide there is a widely accepted housing crisis – locally there is an identified need to grant planning permission for new homes,” he told the meeting.
“The benefits of this proposed development are significant, 140 new homes including a policy compliant 40% affordable housing, 56 homes for households on the waiting list,” he added, referring to ABC’s social housing waiting list of 1,500 people. We accept that the character of the site and its appearance will change, that is true of any development proposal.”
The earmarked land is between Hamstreet and Ruckinge, and close to the Royal Military Canal – a registered heritage site.
It is also on the edge of Romney Marsh, and close to the Dungeness, Romney Marsh and Rye Bay special protection area – legally a wetland of international significance.
Resident Neil Davies attended the meeting, speaking against the bid, calling it “exactly the kind of development that gives development a bad name”.
He slated the “dramatic expansion” of Hamstreet in recent years, and said if the new bid was allowed “the village would be 45% larger than it was only seven years ago” and with no corresponding increase in infrastructure to support the development. The roads are log jammed with traffic at peak times – the doctors’ surgery and school oversubscribed,” he added.
Councillors were no less scathing about it, with Cllr Aline Hicks (Con) who represents the village, saying: “When I first heard about this application I was astounded. It seemed inconceivable that anyone would want to desecrate the Saxon Shore and I know many residents agree.”
“The council is committed to building in the right place – and this is clearly not the right place,” added Cllr Linda Harman (Ash Ind). “The proposal put forward does not bring any benefit to the community and it risks the creation of yet another car dependent estate.”
“I think the development is highly unsuitable, it’s not needed, it’s not wanted,” said Cllr Ken Mulholland (Con).
ABC’s planning committee voted unanimously to reject the plans, eliciting a round of applause from villagers gathered in the chamber.
Speaking after the meeting, resident of neighbouring Warehorne Patrick Williams said: “We know that there must be developments and changes, things can grow, but what you can’t have is a development being imposed on a village of this scale. There have been other developments already to which the infrastructure has to adjust and it’s already not adjusting.”
“My garden backs onto the existing field, I haven’t been able to stand on my lawn since October – when you put your foot on the lawn the water comes over your feet,” added Linn Miles.