Plans to build 88 new homes as part of the second phase of a housing development in Faversham have sparked a number of objections.

Developer Crest Nicholson Eastern is seeking permission to construct the properties as part of its scheme at Lady Dane Farm, off Love Lane.

Work on phase one of the project - which includes 196 homes - has been underway for the past two years, and now the house-builder is looking to expand.

But Faversham Town Council has lodged an objection, calling for improved traffic management mitigation for the already-constructed homes before a further 88 are rubber-stamped.

It says: “There were considerable traffic mitigation initiatives in Phase 1 which have not yet materialised.

“Reference was made to the A2/Love Lane junction where traffic control (lights) were meant to be installed and [this] has not yet happened.

“There is no proposal in Phase 2 for the public transport element or mention of bus service. It was agreed that a second phase was not appropriate until mitigation of [the] first phase was finalised.”

'We bought this property in the knowledge that this was a no through road...'

Concerns have also been raised about construction noise and disruption, and a proposed pedestrian access to the new 88-home site from Marsh Lane - a quiet cul-de-sac built as part of phase one.

Kevin Barry, who lives in the street, said: “We bought this property in the knowledge that this was a no through road with the expectation that the road would primarily be used by only residents and their guests.

“Again, when we agreed to purchase our property, we spoke with Crest representatives and confirmed it would remain this way with no expectation that what will be a quiet close when the building works finish, would become a pedestrian walk through with access to the occupants of up to 88 properties from phase 2 along with occupants of properties built within phase 1.

“There is concern of noise and disturbance, with security of a walk way access also a potential issue, in comparison to a dead end.”

Neighbour Peter Jones added of the proposals: “This would change the character of Marsh Lane from a quiet residential cul-de-sac into a thoroughfare for a significant proportion of the Kingsmead Development and general public.

“This is not an acceptable change of access/use given this was a key factor in my purchase [of my house].”

The proposals for phase two have been submitted to Swale Borough Council and will be determined in the coming months.

Twenty-two of the homes at the 13-acre site will be ‘affordable rent’, while nine will be affordable housing.

Developers say: “It is a sustainable location within the settlement of Faversham and forms part of an allocated site in the Local Plan.

“In preparing this scheme considerable attention has been given to the character and layout of the proposals and how they respond to the adjacent phase one development and the wider area so as to contribute positively to the locality’s setting.”

'We consider there will be great benefit to the wider area through the high quality bespoke design...'

“We consider there will be great benefit to the wider area through the high quality bespoke design of the houses and sensitive landscaping will enhance the area both in terms of biodiversity and as a place to live.”

The plot of land it wishes to build on lies to the immediate south-west of the 196 homes which are currently being constructed.

The plans for Lady Dane Farm are just one of a number of developments envisaged for the town.

The eastern side of Faversham is set to bear the brunt of a massive explosion in house-building over the coming years, with the borough council earmarking more than 3,000 homes for the area. Immediately to the east of the proposed space for 88 properties is farmland earmarked for another 600 homes.

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