An outline planning application has been lodged for the Humber’s Mill development proposal of 1,461 homes, a two-form entry primary school, shops, cafes and health care services in a mixed use community hub and 22 hectares of green space at Nash Road.
The proposal from developer Axis Land Partnerships is for a 67-hectare site of predominantly agricultural land to the west of Nash Road, and close to Westwood Cross Shopping Centre and also includes a new strategic link road along Nash Road which will mean the demolition of two barns at Nash Court Farm and alterations to existing junctions from Nash Road and Manston Court Road.
Plans include around 22 hectares of green, open space. Features being considered for the new neighbourhood include gardens, adventure playgrounds, walking trails, sports and leisure spaces, and a central village green.
A 2ha area of land at the west of the site is proposed as Chalkhole Farm Roadside Nature Area. It is proposed that it will not be accessible to the public but will be managed as grassland habitat.
A heritage park will be created where a Bronze Age ring ditch is located and there are proposals for a community orchard.
The new homes will be a mix of 1 bedroom to 5 bedroom properties. The developer says up to 30% will be affordable housing.
Existing bridleways and public rights of way through the Site will be retained and incorporated into the site layout.
Planning documents confirm the use of the site by protected species of breeding birds, foraging bats, and barn owl. An Outline Biodiversity & Ecology Mitigation, Management, Monitoring and Enhancement Plan will be provided for each phase of development. Mitigation will target habitat creation for species known to be present in the area, for example provision of bat roosts, bird boxes, reptile and invertebrate hibernacula/ refugia, and hedgehog houses where appropriate. There will be tree planting and landscaping and sustainable drainage systems will be integrated throughout the site.
The developer says: “It is estimated that a minimum of 269 gross direct, indirect and induced jobs will be supported by the construction phase. The total Gross Value Added from these jobs equates to an estimated £17.9 million.
“It is estimated the development will support 125 net additional jobs which would help to generate an estimated £2m Gross Value Added for the economy.
“The benefits of the proposal include delivery of up to 1,461 new dwellings, up to 30% of which will be affordable housing that will contribute to meeting local housing need.
“The proposal also incorporates land for a primary school and a mixed-use community hub which will provide an element of job creation and will serve residents in the local area. A sensitive landscape strategy is proposed which makes provision for at least 10% biodiversity net gain, to encourage outdoor activity and play, for new and existing residents.”
In 2021/22 Axis Land Partnerships held community consultation on the proposals via website, newsletters and in-person event and webinars.
The aim is for construction to start during 2024/25 and continue for a period of 15 years.
The site was selected for housing in Thanet District Council’s adopted Local Plan.
You can view the Humber’s Mill website for more details about the proposed development or find it on Thanet council’s planning portal, reference OL/TH/23/0685.
St John’s College Cambridge
The proposal is one of several developments on land in Thanet owned by St John’s College Cambridge which since 1511 has specialised in theology and the arts. Over the last 4 centuries it has grown its base of investment to support its educational endeavours.
St John’s College Cambridge also owns:
- Crumps Farm, Birchington
- Gore End Farm Birchington – plus planning application submitted with adjoining landowner for up to 1,650 homes.
- Cleve Court Farm in Monkton, 310 Hectares.
- Shuart Farm, St Nicholas At Wade, Kent, 192 Hectares
- Docker Hill Farm, Monkton, 137 Hectares.
- Land adjacent to Shuart Farm, St. Nicholas At Wade, 15.7 Hectares
- Further land at Nash Court Farm, 4.86 Hectares
- Garden rear of Acol Cottage 0.14 Hectares
In 2016 St John’s College was reported as owning approximately 18,000 acres of agricultural land around England as well as a large and diverse property portfolio encompassing shops, offices, leisure facilities, industrial units, residential properties and ground rents. It is reported as having £780.1m consolidated assets.
