Developer hits back at critics of housing and business plan

‘it’s not a concrete catastrophe, it’s the best thing to happen’

A developer has hit back at claims a new housing and business estate will destroy a tranquil village.

Westbere Parish Council has branded the development of 250 homes at Hoplands Farm a “concrete catastrophe” which will bring further traffic misery to the A28.

But housebuilder Mark Quinn insists it will be “the best thing” to happen to the area, creating much-needed jobs and prosperity, especially for the neighbouring village of Hersden.

He also say the scheme is vital to ensure the building of the long-awaited Sturry bypass, which will get a £3.5m contribution from the development.

The Hoplands Farm site is not earmarked for housing in the Local Plan but Mr Quinn hopes to persuade the city council of its merits when the planning committee considers it on Tuesday,april 4. He said: “This will be the best thing to happen to Hersden and of all the developments I have done, offers the most community benefit.

“We have spoken to a lot of people in Hersden, who are closer to it than those in Westbere and asked them what they want and they love it.

“They are going to get a new pre-school nursery, a new shop, a 39-acre village green, start-up business accommodation and a new medical centre, for which we have the support of the NHS Canterbury and Coastal Clinical Commissioning Group,

“We are also building an engineering and construction apprentice centre and working with Canterbury College to offer skills training for young people.”

Mr Quinn says he cannot accept the claims made by Westbere Parish Council in its formal objection to the city council.

It says the scheme, called Hoplands Park, would have a “catastrophic” impact on the environment and roads, bringing a five-fold increase in traffic to the A28.

But Mr Quinn says his development is the only one ready to pump £3.5m into the planned Sturry bypass, which will significantly ease traffic and congestion on the main road.

He says the local shopkeeper will not be forced out, as suggested, but offered a bigger, new store at a preferential rent.

He also points out that there are no objections from the statutory consultees to the scheme and says the development, when completed, will create more than 200 jobs.

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

Mark Quinn, managing director of Quinn Estates