‘Essex’ plan is not the only way

Objectors mock housing design for the elderly

Controversial plans for a new care complex described as looking like something from “1980s Essex” will be voted on after a visit to the site.

Neighbours are divided over the scheme for 15 extra homes for the elderly in Wingham.

Planning officers oppose the development at Hawarden Place, on Canterbury Road, saying it would be out of keeping with the area.

Cllr Mike Eddy said: “I would say this is not an appropriate style to blend in with Wingham.

“It looks to me like it’s been pinched from the Essex design guide 1980-something.”

The decision for a site visit was voted on eight to two at Dover District Council’s planning committee meeting last Thursday.

Developers propose nine terraced houses and six apartments.

They are also applying to convert and extend a barn to provide communal facilities to include a manager’s office, guest suite and activities room. District planning officers accepted that there was a need for housing, particularly for older people.

But they insisted that the development would have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area in terms of layout, scale and form.

They said it would affect the conservation area and the setting of listed buildings – particularly the Grade I-listed St Mary the Virgin Church and the Grade Ii-listed Wingham Court.

Neighbours sent 16 letters of objection, complaining that the proposed development was too dense.

They added that the access point was on a blind bend already used by the 15 cars belonging to residents of Hawarden Place.

The scheme would intensify this use and add to the risk of road accidents in a part of the A257 that had already had too many, said objectors.

They also complained of inadequate parking and that sound insulation between the dwellings had not been dealt with.

The council’s environmental health officers had raised concerns about noise travelling between apartments.

Cllr Marjorie Ovenden said: “For elderly people there would be an impact on their wellbeing and comfort from other people’s noise.”

Nine neighbours’ letters supported the application.

They believed the development would be sympathetic and in keeping with the surrounding area and would not aggravate traffic problems.

They said that the scheme would be ideal for those wishing to leave large family homes and buy more manageable housing.

The site visit will take place at 9.30am on Wednesday, September 21.

What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk or write to Gazette House, 5-8 Boorman Way, Wraik Hill, Whitstable, CT5 3SE.

Cllr Mike Eddy is not impressed with the design of the proposed houses and apartments in Wingham