Go-ahead for 175 homes plan near nature reserve

Councillors have rubber-stamped plans to build 175 homes in Hersden.

The Redrow Homes scheme at Hoplands Farm had previously bagged outline consent but it now has full clearance to go ahead.

The development, off the A28 Island Road, will sit close to a yet-to-be built 370-home project at the Chislet Colliery site.

Comprised of 15% afforda- ble housing, the properties will vary from two to three storeys in height.

Eleven councillors voted in favour of the proposal at Tuesday night’s city council planning committee meeting, while Sturry ward councillor Heather Taylor was the only member to vote against.

Despite being dubbed a “gross intrusion” on countryside by objectors last year, Natural England believed the development would not have an adverse effect on the nearby Stodmarsh nature reserve which holds Site of Specific Scientific status.

Concerns had previously been raised that the Hoplands Farm scheme should have been considered as part of the same project as the colliery development.

However, the city council batted off the suggestion, stating in its recommendation for approval that “while the two sites lie in close proximity to one another, they are functionally independent and both were justified on their own individual merits”.

Increased traffic along the A28 in Canterbury was another issue raised during consultation, with the Campaign to Protect Rural England pressure group questioning the visibility at access points into the site. Following revisions in the plans, KCC Highways & Transportation team had no objections.

Construction is due to last for 250 weeks. At its busiest, there will be 15 deliveries per day from tipper trucks, however, most days the number will be lower.

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