Plans to build 100 homes on farmland in Deal have been refused.

The character and scale of a proposed housing development at Cross Road was the main reason district planners refused, and there were remaining questions over the effect it would have on the environment and local roads.

The council's decision notice, published after the issue was debated by the council's planning committee, said: "The application has not clearly demonstrated that the development, when taken cumulatively with other committed developments within Deal, would not result in detriment to the air quality in the local area as a whole, particularly at key road junctions which would be impacted through additional traffic.

"The proposed development of the site with the quantum of housing proposed will adversely affect the character and visual amenity of the surrounding countryside on this prominent and sloping site."

The site is on farm land that borders nearby streets Lydia Road, Cross Road, Station Road and Sydney Road.

It is close to land where an Iron Age warrior was discovered in the late 1980s during excavation work ahead of the construction of the Walmer Way estate.

Previously we reported how archaeological experts warned the field should be excavated for historical remains.

Its proximity to the area was not a reason for refusal.

The rejection came after the committee twice deferred making a decision this year. The first time, in January, was over highways issues and the second, in February, was to assess the impact it would have on Bridleways Stables in Station Road.

Members at the February meeting had also acknowledge an overwhelming number of letters from neighbours opposing the scheme.

And the month before Ward councillor Helen Williams said this application added up to 496 homes planned for or built in the Mill Hill and surrounding area since last year.

The other schemes were:

• A total 223 at Station Road, Walmer, being built by Miller Homes between 2019 and 2024, with up to 50 a year scheduled.

• Another 85 houses granted, after appeal, for Dover Road, a mile away from the Cross Road site.

• An application for 88 houses on old school playing fields at Freemen's Way which was granted permission in May.

This figure does not include the development at Sholden Fields and Hyton Drive.

The plan for 100 homes was a scaled back version of larger scheme for 235 dwellings on this site and an adjacent field the opposite Cross Road.

That plan was submitted in submitted in April 2017 and was refused in August that year.

Applicant Gladman Developments Ltd has been approached for a comment and has been asked if it is planning to appeal the decision or amend the proposal for resubmission and there has been no new application for the site on the district council's planning portal.

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