Villagers fight plan for homes on green space

Villagers are battling to stop the council building three new bungalows on a green plot of land.

Residents in Carters Wood in Hamstreet say that land in Ruckinge Road is used by children as a play area and that it is a scenic green space.

Last week they gathered to begin their protest against the plans by cordoning off the area where the homes will be built.

Organiser and Carters Wood resident Sheila Hessing said: “Children have always played here, then suddenly last year they came up with the idea that they want bungalows built on it.

“It is a lovely bit of green space at the entrance to the village, and that’s what being a village is all about.

“It creates a feeling of tranquility and open space as you enter from Ruckinge. It will also cause a loss of privacy to residents in Carters Wood.”

Other residents have posted their objections on the council’s planning website. Among them is Dukes Meadow resident Paul Settle.

He posted: “Once again land that has remained green within the confines of the built environment is to be destroyed by further building.

“With a draft proposal for major additions to designated development areas around the village, this loss of an open space should not be permitted.”

But Ashford Borough Council has earmarked the land for three bungalows, with access into Carters Wood behind.

The h o mes h a v e b e e n designed by RDA Architects as part of the council’s strategy for gradual infilling in villages where possible.

In the design and access statement, the firm said: “The site was allocated as a small area of open space when the surrounding development was being planned and constructed.

“It is an underutilised area, with more functional and better placed green spaces located near by. However, half of this green space area will be maintained.”

The bungalows will be for residents aged 50 and above, and could also cater for disabled tenants as well in order to meet identified needs of villagers.

The public consultation on the plans is set to end on Sunday, July 31.

To comment on the plans visit the planning section on the website www.ashford.gov. uk and search for reference 16/01012/AS.

Picture: Gary Browne FM4433275 Villagers are unhappy that an open space has been earmarked for housing