Developers proposing to build on farmland at the rear of Chilton Primary School say the site could contain up to 130 properties.
Fernham Homes has been talking to residents today (September 10) about its proposals for two agricultural fields and a small woodland, scrub area off Pegwell Road and Chalk Hill.
The site is in a ‘special landscape area’ which is protected for its open views and sits close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
The company, which is headquartered in West Malling, does not own the site but says it has “an option” on it.
Dozens of people were in attendance as a drop-in event at St Laurence Church hall opened this afternoon, with the majority saying they were opposed to any plans for development.
Fernham Homes representatives said they wanted to hear what people would want to see included if a development were to go ahead.
One representative said: “We know that in principle people who live near to the site are going to be opposed (to development). We understand that’s the case.
“The reason why we have done a red line (showing the site boundary) rather than a detailed lay out is because we are asking people, if this were to go ahead is there anything they would like to see as part of the development.
“That might be bungalows or parking for the school or play space.”
The earmarked fields are not allocated for housing in Thanet’s Local Plan – a blueprint for development and infrastructure up until 2031 – but a Fernham Homes representative said: “We think it is a good site with development potential based on our own reviews.”
Fernham Homes says Thanet council has not met its housing need numbers (building targets set by Government) and that means there is “a window as long as the site is promoted in a diligent way to contribute towards Thanet’s housing need.”
Thanet Local Plan documents say the isle has a need for the provision of family homes and that need for affordable housing outweighs supply.
Fernham Homes says feedback from today’s event will be considered. Work will then take place for the design layout with conversations taking place with Thanet and Kent councils by the end of October.
A second public event is proposed and then a planning application is expected to be submitted by next Spring.
One resident at the event said criticised Fernham Homes for having a lack of local knowledge, adding: “They did not even know about the National Grid plan, it’s disgraceful. I told them they should have done their homework.”
Others questioned tree felling that would take place for access to the southern part of the proposed development and how the impact on wildlife would be mitigated, while one resident said simply: “They ask what we want, we do not want anything in this area.”
Nature expert Nik Mitchell, of Get Wild, is one of those opposed to the development. He said: “I have a lot of concerns about them developing the area. It’s actually an area protected for its open views. It has always been an important place for skylarks, it sits on top of a natural spring that feeds into Pegwell Bay SSSI.
“It will prevent Chilton primary from ever expanding, we keep building houses but we’re not building schools. That’s just to name a few reasons why this development shouldn’t happen.”
Fernham Homes, established in 1999, has developments in Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Greater London.
The drop-in event is open until 6pm.
