A bid by developers could see the number of homes at an estate increase by almost 50% more than originally anticipated, up to 357.

Some 50 more homes could be built at Hoplands Farm in Hersden, near Canterbury, which would join an already-approved scheme for 248 homes.

It comes two years after a bid was launched by Redrow to place another 59 homes on the land, meaning the estate could increase by 119 units since it was first approved by Canterbury City Council (CCC) in 2017, a hike of 48%.

CCC has yet to deliberate on either projects.

The original scheme includes a medical centre, nursery and a mix of commercial space, while the latest one puts forward plans for a mix of commercial space.

Once a small tight-knit mining village, housebuilders have been drawn to Hersden over recent years, much to the chagrin of residents. In August, 800 homes, which will double the village’s population, were approved.

The latest application, lodged by Quinn Estates, say the new homes will be in place of a business park after the marketing team received no firm offers but just “sporadic and speculative” enquiries from potential tenants.

The firm’s aim is now to “create a highly sustainable, high-quality residential development”.

The new properties would be a range of two, three and four-bed homes alongside a number of two-bed flats as part of an offering of 15 affordable houses.

Quinn Estates - which secured the original planning permission in 2017 - has been tasked with managing the commercial and business elements of the project, while Redrow looks after the housing aspect.

Quinn has also already completed an apprenticeship centre and utilities services are in place ahead of the communal facilities being built.

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Work is still ongoing to complete the homes as part of the original Hoplands Farm proposals with hopes of seeing this completed by September 2025.

Currently, about 55% of the site - which is near Stodmarsh Nature Reserve - has remained as designated green space.

It has village green status, giving it the highest form of protection from future development.

The expansion plans come despite the development previously being praised for not having the “sardine-tin mentality” of cramming in as many homes as possible.

But bosses at Quinn say the new homes will not affect green space, as they would be built in an area designated for commercial units.