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140 homes planned for land west of Cross Road, in Walmer, Deal

14:56, 20 December 2021

updated: 14:57, 20 December 2021

Neighbours have raised concerns over loss of green land and wildlife after plans for 140 new homes emerged.

The scheme is for a 8.71 hectare site west of Cross Road, in Walmer, Deal and would see a mix of homes - including 30% affordable - created along with public open spaces and access.

The 140 homes are planned for land west of Cross Road, Walmer, Deal. Picture: Google Maps
The 140 homes are planned for land west of Cross Road, Walmer, Deal. Picture: Google Maps

Planning documents from developer Gladman state: "The development is a well-considered, appropriate and suitable response to the site and its surroundings.

"New homes will have easy access to local services and facilities, public transport links, employment areas and the public right of way network."

The literature also claims the development will bring "social, environmental and economic benefits" to the area.

A 2017 proposal for 235 homes for the same plot of land, as well as a sister site to the east of Cross Road, was turned down by members of Dover District Council.

After its refusal, the application was divided up for the two pieces of land either side of Cross Road.

Graphic shows where the 140 homes will go (in red). 100 homes have already been approved for the land to the east. Photo: Gladman design and access statement
Graphic shows where the 140 homes will go (in red). 100 homes have already been approved for the land to the east. Photo: Gladman design and access statement

Since then, an application for outline planning permission for 100 homes on the land east of Cross Road has been approved by the council - despite objections from neighbours -, and a reserved matters application is awaiting a decision.

This new application for the 140 homes on the land to the west of Cross Road was submitted this month.

And residents are once again objecting to the plans, with some citing environmentalist and documentary maker David Attenborough as the inspiration behind their fears.

One neighbour said: "Voters in Dover district watch Attenborough as much as anywhere else and are very aware that the sixth mass extinction is underway.

"They care deeply about the loss of scrubland, hedges, grassland which are the habitat of pollinators, birds, mammals, flora and fauna of all sorts.

"Loss of biodiversity should be a material consideration."

Sir David Attenborough
Sir David Attenborough

The Holocene extinction, also referred to as the sixth mass extinction, is believed to be an ongoing extinction event of species during the current time scale, as a result of human activity.

Another objector said: "Once again we find ourselves having to object to a planning proposal that has already been rejected by a democratic vote.

"My views on this have not changed and I can only agree with the comments from fellow objectors.

"I was under the impression we already have enough new builds in our area for the next few years.

"Also surely now in the light of becoming a greener planet it makes sense to leave these good quality farming fields to farming for the future of our generations."

A third said: "This development will cause destruction of habitat for wildlife living in the nearby woodland and limit their movements.

"Loss of green spaces will have an impact on the children who use these fields and the paths within to play.

"The road is already too small for access and the amount of lorries and building materials will limit access for residents.

"This will also have an impact on safety - this is a small residential community where a number of young children live and play on the quiet road.

"There is not adequate infrastructure (doctors, shops, schools) to accommodate this ongoing rise in house building in the area.

"I also have concerns over flooding as this has been raised before.

"I wholeheartedly object to this proposal."

A decision is expected by March.

To see more public notices, visit www.kentonline.co.uk/advertise/public-notices/

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