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Plans for 11 homes in Eythorne met with severe opposition from residents

15:51, 17 December 2020

updated: 15:56, 17 December 2020

Plans to build 11 homes on a central village field have been widely opposed.

An outline application for the site on Shooters Hill, Eythorne, to be filled with 11 two-bedroom houses was lodged in October.

The field currently holds a flock of alpacas
The field currently holds a flock of alpacas

The field is situated alongside the Eythorne Heritage Railway and currently houses alpacas.

Planning agent Rebus Planning Solutions highlighted the villages existing transport links and amenities, saying: "The site is relatively unconstrained and capable of bringing forward a high-quality development immediately upon the receipt of a consented scheme and condition discharge.

"A considered and high-quality landscaping scheme will additionally improve the appearance of the development and bring benefits to the biodiversity interests of the site."

The applicant does note that overhead power lines would need to be removed, and a bus stop would also need to be moved.

However 33 residents and stakeholders have written objection comments, compared to three people supporting the scheme.

How the homes in Eythorne might look if approved. Picture: Rebus Planning Solutions (43445339)
How the homes in Eythorne might look if approved. Picture: Rebus Planning Solutions (43445339)

On top of that, the Eythorne Parish Council (EPC) opposes the scheme, fearing that the bus stop has nowhere else to be moved and there is a lack of parking included.

Meanwhile resident Diane Tolhurst says: "The Eythorne Heritage Railway is the main visitor attraction in the village and the development will detract from the location of this.

"Eythorne is a pleasant village with limited green space, it is pleasant to see animals grazing within the built environment - there are plenty of other developments within a few miles for those searching for new houses."

In nearby Whitfield, Halsbury Homes is currently constructing 368 houses and the council is building 26 houses adjoining that development.

Another major sticking point is affordable housing, which is mentioned only twice in the 30-page planning statement.

Residents are concerned the homes could have a detrimental effect on the Eythorne Heritage Railway
Residents are concerned the homes could have a detrimental effect on the Eythorne Heritage Railway

A comment by Dover District Council's housing development manager, Rachel Collins, states: "This site falls outside the village boundary. A site of this nature could be proposed as a Rural Exception site, for 100% affordable housing, with the proposed housing mix supported by a local housing needs survey.

"The application does not make it clear whether this is the intention here.

"However, since it does not propose any affordable housing or offer an explanation of how the affordable housing need will be met, I am unable to support the application."

Search 20/00833 on the Dover District Council planning portal for more information or to register a comment.

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