Plans revealed for 1,750-home village to be built off A2

Hundreds of houses proposed for farmland

Developers have created a vision for a new 1,750-home village between Canterbury and Faversham.

Covering 178 acres of farmland off the A2, it would nestle close to Dunkirk, Boughton and Selling.

The land is not expected to be included as suitable for development in Swale Borough Council’s Local Plan.

But this has not deterred the company, Shaptor Capital from publicising its proposals for the new village, called Winterbourne Fields.

The scheme proposes a mixed residential and commercial development on what is described as “low grade” agricultural land, currently in one ownership.

It will include almost 60 acres of public open space and a village centre with stores. Managing director Marco Nardini says it will provide much-needed new homes and facilities, as well as improving road access in the area. “Our ethos is to create high quality, attractive and successful schemes - Winterbourne Fields will be no different,” he said.

“We very much want to listen to, engage with and learn from local people.

“At the heart of our plans we will be creating a new sustainable community where existing and future residents want to live, work and play.” He claims it will enhance the sustainability of Boughton, Dunkirk and Selling with improved retail, job opportunities and recreational facilities as well as help Swale council meet its government housing targets. But the Local Plan Panel has already recommended the site not be designated for housing, a view likely to be confirmed at a full meeting of the authority’s cabinet on December 19. Mr Nardini says Shaptor Capital will work closely with the council and its emerging Local Plan on the proposals. “Our engagement with officers and councillors will show our proposals demonstrate that their evidence about the site is not correct,” he said.

“We will debate throughout the Local Plan process about the merits of creating Winterbourne Fields. As the Local Plan emerges there will be many opportunities to do this.” Parish councils are not yet commenting on the proposals but the company says it will consult with them as well as other local stakeholders, including the MP and environmental groups. They would be invited to a discussion with the developer to give their feedback at a virtual meeting next month.

‘At the heart of our plans will be creating a new sustainable community where residents want to live, work and play’

The location of the planned new village near Boughton dubbed Winterbourne Fields