Developer warned over ‘speculative’ housing bid

A developer is making a fresh bid to build new homes in a village.

Gladman Developments is proposing a scheme for 25 homes in Smarden, with 35% of them to be affordable housing.

The Derbyshire-based firm submitted its outline planning application to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) at the beginning of this month, with the plans including the creation of a village green area and “informal public open space”.

It has earmarked land between Smarden Charter Hall and Weathercock, Pluckley Road, for the development, with the number of homes within the scope of the Local Plan.

Sarah Ellison,chair of Smarden Parish Council’s planning com- mittee, said that as the proposal from Gladman falls in line with the plan until 2030 for 25 new homes in the village, it would not be objected to.

But Mrs Ellison warned that Gladman had launched an appeal to build 50 homes, which she said was “completely speculative” and would be vigorously opposed.

She accused the firm of not following protocol by wading in with the bid for extra homes, adding: “Gladman seem to be spotting plots of land to build on and ignoring due process and democracy as they do.”

Earlier this year, Gladman Developments submitted plans for 50 homes near Charter Hall in Smarden and 125 homes at Hospital Field in Brabourne Lees, but ABC councillors rejected both schemes in July.

The applications provoked a storm of protest, with villagers fearing their communities would be changed beyond recognition if the schemes proceeded.

Mrs Ellison spoke at a meeting of ABC’s planning committee to voice Smarden Parish Council’s objections, which were backed by hundreds of villagers.

Speaking at the time, council leader Gerry Clarkson said: “Smarden is being considered for 25 dwellings in our Local Plan, subject to the result of a public consultation, not for 50.

“If we give permission it would make a nonsense of the whole public consultation process. This application is both premature and unhelpful and demonstrates a complete disregard to any form of sensitive planning approach to this countryside setting.”

‘Gladman seem to be spotting plots of land to build on and ignoring due process and democracy as they do’

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