Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘Outrageous’ application thrown out
An application for more housing in Charing has been thrown out by councillors.
The proposal by Gladman Developments was for 245 new houses on land south of the railway line and west of Pluckley Road, as well as landscaping, public open space and a children’s play area.
At Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee meeting last week, councillors unanimously agreed to reject the proposal.
The public gallery at Ashford Civic Centre was full as residents urged member to reject the application.
Charing Parish Council chairman Jill Leyland, said: “This is a frankly outrageous application. We fully accept we have to play our part in Ashford’s developments but by how much?
“The development would be beyond easy walking distance so most people would likely drive into the village.” She added: “It would be a challenge to both the infrastructure and facilities in Charing and the speed cushioning is a ludicrous idea.
“We urge you to object in the strongest possible terms.”
Council leader Gerry Clarkson, who represents Charing, also supported the refusal of the application.
He said: “This site has never before been considered for such a development.
“It’s in the wrong location which could be extremely damaging; it is a sprawling development that would destroy the history and beauty.”
He continued: “This is one of the worst sites in Charing for the development.
“We need to take reasonable measures with future development and make sure the development is of appropriate size, design and location.”
Another issue highlighted by Cllr Brad Bradford, among others, was that KCC Highways and Transport had previously objected to the development.
Cllr Bradford said: “KCC Highways and Transport objected to the application, partially on the grounds that ‘the pedestrian links are unacceptable and the development would be harmful to pedestrian safety’. It would be a very brave planning committee to ignore that comment.”