An application to build 74 homes on land off Reading Street Road which was refused by Thanet council has gone to appeal.
Residents have until January 16 to submit their views on the proposal to build on 5.06 hectares of agricultural land between Broadstairs and St Peter’s. The site is within a designated ‘green wedge.’
Prospective developer Land Allocation Ltd has appealed to the Secretary of State to overturn Thanet council’s decision to reject the plan.
The Planning Inspectorate will now determine the appeal.
The proposal provoked more than 140 objections with campaigners saying the development would put pressure on local infrastructure and especially on highways.
Among reasons for refusal was the loss of best and most versatile agricultural land.
In appeal documents on behalf of Land Allocation Ltd it says: “The vast majority of land within the district falls within this category, and therefore, there are no sequentially preferable sites. “Furthermore, the loss of approximately 5 hectares of agricultural land is not considered significant, particularly as the wider field measures approximately 20 hectares. Although the site area measure 5.06 hectares, 2.45 (nearly 50%) will be open space.”
Thanet council also refused on the basis of the applicant failing to enter into a legal agreement to secure affordable housing.
The appeal document says: “The appellant does not contest the requirement to provide for essential infrastructure, services and amenities and their subsequent management, which can be secured by a Unilateral Undertaking.” The document says up to 22 dwellings would be affordable.
Land Allocation Ltd also dispute refusal on the grounds of development and impact on the Green Wedge, saying the policy is out of date due to the council’s lack of a five-year housing land supply.
Representations can be made on the Planning Inspectorate site, appeal case reference 3304235, at:
