Residents have vented their fury over a developer’s plan to build new homes in a village – arguing “someone will get killed”.
Esquire Developments has unveiled proposals to roll out 17 mixed homes in the heart of Wingham, near Canterbury.
But the firm’s plans lodged with Dover District Council have prompted a fierce backlash of 105 objections, with many centering on a potentially dangerous junction.
Taking issue with Esquire’s access route off Gobery Hill, Anne Ethell says: “Anyone can see putting a crossing there is ludicrous.
“I wouldn’t want to see my grandchildren cross there – if you encourage people to cross there someone will get killed.”
Gemma Porter added: “The access area to the proposed dwellings is situated on a road with a large amount of traffic and would create a dangerous junction turning.”
Esquire stresses the 1.3 hectares estate will create “an exciting opportunity” while boosting housing stock.
The company hopes to build 12 private houses, of which eight would have three bedrooms and the rest four.
It would also include two social homes, one affordable home and two starter homes with 39 parking spaces.
The Longfield-based company says in planning papers: “The intention of the development is to create an integrated and well-designed community which contributes positively to the housing and land supply mix in the local area.
“This mix in favour of smaller unit types is suited to first time buyers and younger families looking to remain in the village.
“Particular care and attention have been given from the outset to the setting of the nearby buildings and maintaining the rural setting of Wingham.
“They represent an exciting opportunity to deliver a new and well-designed addition to Wingham, benefit the wider neighbourhood, and sustain a key local amenity asset [by] continuing to serve the local and wider community.”
The application comes four years after Leath Park Developments was refused permission for 15 homes on the same plot.
Then, planning chiefs highlighted safety concerns for pedestrians at the junction with Gobery Hill and Preston Hill.
But the scheme would not officially face the axe until May 2022 when, following a long-running saga, the Planning Inspectorate threw out Leath’s appeal.
Esquire argues its revised application will ensure “pedestrian crossing facilities” will be featured, including one next to the give-way line in Preston Hill.
The proposed works will also see a section of the junction narrowed to reduce the speed of vehicles and enhance visibility between drivers and pedestrians.
An area for overrun is to also be provided for larger vehicles which may use the junction.
But more than 100 objectors believe the development should be rejected again due to safety fears.
Some voice concerns over the village’s rapid expansion, where, in 2021, the population was lower than 2,000.
“There are numerous houses for sale in the village that have been on the market for many, many months,” Mrs Bettina Braun wrote.
“There isn’t a need for more expensive houses that locals and our young people can’t afford – even so-called affordable houses are not affordable to locals.
“There is a development of 70 houses that has planning approval, which includes a mix of houses and affordable homes specifically for locals which is more in line with local needs.
“So there isn’t a need for even more houses now.”
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Developers added the reason for the number of proposed homes increasing from 15 to 17 is due to the latest proposal having differing property sizes and fewer detached homes.
In February, councillors unanimously approved plans for 71 new homes 1.4 miles away on land north of Staple Road.
The nod was given despite residents’ fears of overdevelopment and harm to wildlife.