Developer hit with fierce objections

A “predatory” housing developer has appealed against a council decision to reject plans hundreds of new homes in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Gladman developments submitted plans for 125 homes on land between Lees Road and Canterbury Road in Brabourne Lees, but the plans were rejected in July.

The plans would include provision for 35% of the new houses to be “affordable” and the developer says its plans would be sympathetic to the landscape with lots of green areas.

But the plans met with fierce objection from villagers, who said the “unscrupulous” developer had used “underhand” tactics during the application.

More than 600 people signed the Brabourne Parish Council petition against the plans, while more than 250 residents registered their objections.

Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee rejected the plans at a meeting on Wednesday, July 20, prompting an appeal to the National Planning Inspectorate by Gladman Developments.

The developers say the council failed to determine the outcome of the planning application within eight weeks, and say the land is not part of the green belt.

The appeal will be heard at a public inquiry, the date of which is yet to be decided.