Biggest development in village for 50 years given go-ahead

Plans to build 40 executive-style homes in Rolvenden have been given the green light by Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) planning committee.

Developer Taylor Wimpey was granted outline planning permission for the site in Halden Lane Field earlier this year.

But now the detailed scheme has been approved by the planning committee at its meeting on December 14, subject to a number of conditions.

These include minor amendments to parking spaces, installation of rainwater butts and restrictions to what builders can erect without revealing further finer details about appearance.

Rolvenden Parish Council has previously spoken out opposing the plans, which will be the big- gest development the village has seen in more than 50 years.

Duncan Murray, parish council chairman, called it “over development” and criticised the five to six-bedroom houses planned.

He said the village needs two and three-bed starter homes for young buyers and downsizers.

Mr Murray said previously: “This proposal has far too many houses for the space available. It is an urban design, with tiny gardens and ‘shared space’ roads.

“There is much more development here than with the design approved in outline permission.”

But Taylor Wimpey says its scheme for the 1.8-hectare field will provide 14 affordable homes and deliver a number of community benefits, including new replacement playing fields near Rolvenden Cricket club.

For details of Halden Field visit ABC’s planning website (http:// planning.ashford.gov.uk/) and search for ref 13/00755/AS.

Permission has been given for new homes on Halden Field