Council housing plan is slammed
18,000-home target labelled unrealistic and unsustainable
Maidstone’s proposed Local Plan has been branded “unrealistic and unsustainable” by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE).
CPRE’s Kent branch has said the 18,560 homes planned for the borough over the next 15 years would put a huge strain on infrastructure and roads, and would have an enormous impact on Maidstone’s countryside, with 84% of homes planned for greenfield sites.
Responding to Maidstone council’s pre-submission document, the charity raised concerns about a lack of supporting evidence, the lack of approval for the accompanying transport plan, and the unknown cost of infrastructure.
The Integrated Transport Strategy has not been backed by Kent County Council or the borough’s Joint Transportation Board, and KCC labelled it not fit for purpose last month.
The CPRE also said the council’s Gypsy and Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Accom- modation Assessment had not followed government guidance as it depends on outdated definitions and therefore the current need for sites is likely far less than the allocated amount.
It added that the huge allocation of housing for greenfield land would not encourage the development of brownfield and previously developed land, and the scale of residential development in villages was disproportionate to their size.
The organisation cited Woodcut Farm close to junction 8 of the M20 for Leeds as an area of particular concern. The site is allocated for employment despite being labelled unsuitable for development by inspectors who considered the Kent International Gateway proposal and the Waterside Park application.
Gary Thomas, chairman of the CPRE Kent Maidstone Committee, said: “This local plan is already having a terrible impact on villages and countryside. It would cause enormous traffic problems and a strain on school, health and travel facilities. The number of new homes is unrealistic and unsustainable.
“There will be a loss of greenfield land, and the beautiful landscapes so important to the character and enjoyment of our county.”
The deadline for comments on the draft plan and transport strategy passed last month.