Developers have revealed ambitions to potentially add another 400 homes to a controversial new “village” estate.

Wildlife groups have revealed “great concern” about the 1,740-home scheme near Dunkirk and Boughton leading to the direct loss of habitats and harming a range of protected species.

Winterbourne Fields would be created on 180 acres of “mostly low-grade” farmland straddling the dual-carriageway between Canterbury and Faversham, if given the go-ahead.

Earmarked for a plot near the A2, Shaptor Capital revealed plans in October showing the development could be equipped with shops, a two-form primary school, a 160-home retirement community and a GP surgery.

But in a new report submitted to council planners, the size of the village could increase to 2,150 homes from the initial 1,740 originally cited.

The project – first mooted three years ago – would offer 60 acres of green and amenity open space, an upgraded junction onto the A2 and a new bridge to be used by pedestrians and cyclists.

But nature groups have been left unimpressed by the proposals, with their concerns laid bare in an environmental impact assessment.

The assessment allows the applicant to ask the local planning authority – in this case, Swale Borough Council – for its opinion on what information needs to be included in an application and to scope early thoughts about the designs.

Kent Wildlife Trust is concerned about the impact it could have on the neighbouring South Blean Woods Local Wildlife Site (LWS), which comprises a large woodland complex, which is next to the adjacent Blean Wood, the largest ancient woodland in the south east.

The non-profit organisation says there is a risk of “adverse effects” revealed in the documents submitted to the council.

“Direct impacts include the direct loss of onsite habitats, which include coppiced deciduous woodland, hedgerows, veteran trees, ditches and streams which could all be adversely impacted by the development,” it said.

“These onsite habitats support a variety of species such as dormice, great crested newt, reptiles and breeding birds, such as blackcap and chaffinch, including skylark which were recorded breeding within the fields.

“Indirect impacts to South Blean Woods LWS include an increase in artificial lighting, noise and dust pollution during the construction phase and an increase in light, noise, air quality changes, recreational pressures, and cat predation during the operational phase.

“We are concerned development of this scale will see a significant increase in recreational disturbances to South Blean Woods LWS from people, dogs, and cat predation.”

It is hoped that up to 40% of the homes would be classed as ‘affordable’ plus the additional 160 dwellings in a retirement community.

No further details have been included as to the reasons behind the potential increase in the number of new homes. KentOnline has asked Shaptor Capital for comment.

Meanwhile, RSPB England says it is “greatly concerned” by the proposals as it is an important area for a range of wildlife, including protected species.

“The thousands of extra homes would add hugely to recreational pressures on this extremely important area,” the charity says.

“Vulnerable ground-nesting species such as nightjar and woodcock, and species that nest near the ground such as willow warbler and nightingales, are likely to be negatively impacted by increased footfall and dog-walking, in addition to impacts on ancient woodland flora, reptiles and other wildlife.”

National Highways commented briefly on the impact the development could have on the A2.

“We will be concerned with proposals that have the potential to impact the safe and efficient operation of the strategic road network,” it said.

“In this case, particularly the Boughton Bypass in the vicinity of Dunkirk.”

Dunkirk Parish Council chairman Kevin Kemp said earlier this year the authority will not formally comment on the proposals until a full planning application is submitted.

But he told KentOnline last year: "Many parishioners have been telling us their concerns about the impact the development would have and are very worried about it.

“Of course, we have serious concerns about the whole concept.”

“Direct impacts include the direct loss of onsite habitats, which include coppiced deciduous woodland, hedgerows, veteran trees, ditches and streams which could all be adversely impacted...”

Developers have earmarked a 60-acre plot of land dedicated to green and amenity open space, including a 5km recreation trail, multiple outdoor sports pitches and a community park.

The project – first publicised in 2020 – would also offer a green transport hub.

Fitted with electric vehicle charging points for 36 cars, this could possibly have its own airport-style coffee lounge for bus passengers.

The land is not currently designated for housing in Swale Borough Council’s Local Plan – something which has raised concerns among villagers.

The two neighbouring parish councils representing the villages produced a joint Neighbourhood Plan earlier this year – which has been adopted following a local referendum.

Of 25 sites put forward by developers for potential housing in the parishes, it has deemed only one – for up to 12 new properties off Colonel's Lane – would be "sustainable".

Residents are also worried about the Duchy of Cornwall's plans for 2,500 houses on a site beside the A2 between Love Lane and Brenley Corner.

Thirty-five per cent of that land lies outside Faversham's boundaries, with 26% in Boughton and 9% in Selling.

Boughton and Dunkirk's Neighbourhood Plan is a legal document and the result of seven years of work.

It sets out the villagers' views and aspirations which must now be considered by SBC when deciding whether to grant future planning applications.

When finally compiled and approved, SBC's Local Plan could earmark sites across the borough for more than 26,500 homes over the next 15 years.