This is not the place to build

With reference to your recent article (Developers reveal proposals for site) about plans by developers Millwood to build homes for more than one generation.

What they omitted to say was that they do not like the democratic process as they are proposing to build around 100 houses on land to the north of Sandyhurst Lane when they know that:

Lenacre Hall Farm, was not in the Local Plan to 2030 published in 2016 and is not in the revised draft Local Plan to 2030

Boughton Aluph and Eastwell Parish Council does not support this proposed development.

A survey of parish residents was conducted in April 2016 by the parish council’s neighbourhood planning committee and had the following relevant results: In answer to the following questions: Q: How important is it to maintain the existing rural/ urban boundary in our parish? The urban/rural boundary in our parish runs along Sandyhurst Lane to the A251 and then across the playing fields of Towers School. A: 92% of respondent wish to maintain this boundary. Q: What concerns you about development in our parish? A: 93% expressed concern about the impact development would have on the rural nature of the parish Q: What are your views about the suitability of the seven potential sites for development in our parish – one of which – Lenacre Hall Farm Development – is for leisure and sheltered housing (initially for more than 100 dwellings but now planned for 99 dwellings according to www. lenacrehallfarm.com)? A: 75% of respondents considered the site unsuitable with only 5% in support. Q: How important is it to protect high grade agricultural land in our parish from any form of development? A: 91% of respondents said it was important

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England, in its review for Ashford Borough Council in June stated: “We have therefore made a small modification to the ward boundary between Downs West and Goat Lees to include the entirety of Sandyhurst Lane, Lenacre Street and Eastwell Grange in Downs West.”

Their reasoning being that there was good local evidence that supported its inclusion in a ward of a more rural that urban nature. This reinforces the urban/rural boundary along Sandyhurst Lane.

Millwood’s plans also include the removal part of an ancient hedgerow. Increased traffic is also a major issue with 1,200 plus concerns raised about Sandyhurst Lane in the survey.

Millwood and the landowner should ignore the lure of huge profits and listen to the views of local residents, the Borough and Parish Councils and the Boundary Commission. The evidence is overwhelming. Just because someone does not like the view of the majority they should still act on the majority view. Bryan and Jane Hall, David Robinson, Bob, Teresa and Douglas Morgan, Les and Yvonne Chandler, Fred and Linda Garner & family, Val Turtle. All of Lenacre Street