Rat run fears over plans for more than 200 homes

Opponents say plan would spoil ‘hundreds of years of history’

Opponents of a new housing estate fear their historic street could become an “enormous rat run” for motorists once the homes have been built.

In December the Kentish Express reported on plans submitted by Bellway Homes Ltd for 204 houses plus flats on land between Hinxhill Road and the A20 Hythe Road at Willesborough Lees.

The 24-acre site has been earmarked as a site in Ashford Borough Council’s local plan and would be called Willesborough Green.

It would contain 36 one and two-bedroom flats, 48 two-bedroom homes, 76 three-bedroom homes, 55-four bedroom homes and 25 five-bedroom homes.

But neighbours in The Street in Willesborough Lees fear the consequences of the development for their historic lane, which includes The Blacksmiths Arms pub and the 17th century Warren Cottage Guest House.

Resident Robin Bristow said if the new homes had access to Hinxhill Road, it could see hundreds of new vehicles using the route to avoid the roundabout at junction 10, thus creating an “enormous rat run”.

His concerns were echoed by fellow resident John Rowland, who said there should be no access road from Hinxhill Road into the estate to prevent the rat run.

Meanwhile David Garrett said the plans for the homes would be “spoiling hundreds of years of history” if approved, while Paul Curtis commented the development is “too condensed” and would be “totally inappropriate to the area”.

According to the plans put forward by Bellway Homes, the main entrance to the estate would be at the A20 just past Tesco’s Crooksfoot store, but there would also be a second entrance at Hinxhill Road.

The company says the aim is to create an “integrated and sus- tainable neighbourhood” that will contain a green corridor for cyclists and pedestrians, and will also include a football field.

The consultation into the plans has now ended, and council planning officer Mark Davies is working to give a recommendation by Thursday, February 23.

For more information about the plans visit Ashford Borough Council’s website at www.ashford.gov.uk and in the planning section search for reference 16/01722/AS

Pictures: Bellway Homes Artist impression of the new homes Bellway Homes wants to build in Ashford and, right, the site lies to the south east of the William Harvey Hospital