News from around the county Holiday homes plan for protected area
Three hundred acres of highly protected countryside could change forever if an ambitious but controversial tourism development gets the go-ahead.
A detailed masterplan of the £250 million scheme has been unveiled for the land at Highland Court Farm in Bridge, near Canterbury.
Within it are 300 luxury holiday homes, a 150-unit retirement village, a business centre, sports facilities and a restaurant and artisan market – all in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The scheme is a joint venture between the Whigham family, which owns the farmland, and developer Quinn Estates, with both believing the location is “ideal” for holiday industry use.
Also planned are new clubhouses and pitches for Canterbury football and rugby clubs and an equestrian, walking and cycling centre.
The masterplan is now being put out to public consultation.
Developer Mark Quinn claims it will provide “massive social, economic, and sporting benefits” while keeping the environment at the heart of the development, and create 1,500 jobs.
But he admits it will be a battle to gain permission with the status of the land – and the council has not earmarked it as a site for development in its Local Plan.
Canterbury Rugby Club says it is “outgrowing” its current site in Merton Lane North and the city’s football club has been without its own ground for two decades and currently plays in Deal.
Both have been in discussions with Mr Quinn and have signed up for the move.