Kentish Express Ashford & District
Homes would wreck village, inquiry told
Countryside campaigners will give evidence at a public inquiry in their bid to prevent scores of homes being built.
Gladman Developments had proposed to build 125 houses between Lees Road and Canterbury Road in Brabourne, known as Hospital Field.
But the council rejected the plans last year, following a fierce campaign by villagers to protect the land.
The council said it was not earmarked for development in any of its emerging local plans, and villagers say it is in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The developer appealed against the council’s decision, stating that the council couldn’t demonstrate its ability to deliver a five-year housing supply, while the local plan was also delayed.
Villagers feared the unwanted pressure it would bring to nearby roads, GP surgeries and schools if the plans get the go-ahead.
Julie Channer, of Lees Road, said: “It would be almost impossible to integrate this many new- comers which would lead to them being ghettoised in one part of the village and would completely change the community and the heart of the village.”
Meanwhile architect Benedict O’Looney accused Gladman Developments of wanting to “wreck” the village with houses which are “alien” to the area.
He said: “We object to this proposal as it would destroy forever the gentle and rural character of our village. It would become effectively a dense suburb of Ashford.”
Planning inspectors have been listening to the case for both sides, and were expected to visit the site this week.
The inquiry is expected to finish tomorrow, but the Kent branch of the Campaign to Pro- tect Rural England (CPRE) said it was also taking part in the proceedings.
Gladman Developments says the green approach of the scheme “reflects the existing character of the surrounding Brabourne Lees landscape”.
It says 35% of the houses will be “affordable” and added that the homes will boast attractive vistas for future residents.
The inquiry is expected to finish tomorrow (Friday) and an announcement is expected soon after.
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