Two proposed housing developments will go before district planners tonight.

The first is for 67 homes with garages, access, parking and landscaping on the former Kumor Nursery site off Dover Road in Sandwich.

Nearly 70 neighbours have objected to the application.

It was submitted by DHA Planning on behalf of Ms KK Putnam to Dover District Council (DDC) in March.

Despite no objections from Kent County Council’s (KCC) Highways, the application was rejected by Sandwich Town Council unless an alternative access route was found.

They suggested an exit on the Woodnesborough Road.

Speaking at the town council’s full meeting on Monday , Cllr Paul Carter said: “This will cause a lot of problems in Dover Road with around 150 vehicle movements in the mornings.

“KCC said they did not find any issues with this development as they have not been any reported incidents there since 2010. This is because not every incident is given a police number and is therefore not followed up.”

It is recommended for refusal by officers.

Cllr Carter asked fellow members to join him at the meeting to add weight to their argument.

A total of 68 letters of objection have now been sent to DDC from neighbours, mainly over traffic, drainage and environment concerns.

They claim that Dover Road is too narrow to cope with the extra traffic and that the proposed access would be hazardous to residents and local school pupils.

Residents also fear increased traffic noise and that the water drainage and sewerage system could not cope.

They added that there are newts on the site, that there would be a loss of or harm to trees, and the development is too dense and overcrowded.

But 11 people are supporting the plan saying that Dover Road has fewer vehicle movements than at any time in the last 40 years.

They argue that other roads in Sandwich are more congested, such as Woodnesborough Road and St Bart’s Road.

These supporters added that there is a need for housing in Sandwich.

The second application to be considered has been put forward by Persimmon Homes for 70 dwellings at Sholden.

This is on land behind Hyton Drive, Roman Close and Church Lane.

A total of 29 letters of objection have been written from neighbours fearing problems with sewer capacity and flood risk plus complaining of the height and density of the proposed new structures.

They are also worried about noise and pollution from construction traffic.

One local supported the scheme saying this would provide new homes, hopefully for first time buyers.

Sholden Parish Council is against it saying that local roads are unsuitable for increases in traffic.

It also says that no new schools or GP surgeries have opened since other large-scale developments were built in the area.

It adds that flooding regularly happens in Albert Road, which is just 400 metres from the proposed development.

Planning officers are recommending approval. They says that the proposed development is considered to be acceptable and that the land is a site earmarked as suitable for housing.

They say the applicant has worked to deal with concerns such as flooding and highway capacity.

The officers believe that the design of the scheme is acceptable and will fit well with existing development.

The Dover District Council planning committee meeting is at 6pm at the council headquarters at the White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield.