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Perry Court Farm development: Jack Winslade from the Abbey School speaks up

00:00, 31 October 2015

A teenager has warned the council about the impact of the huge Perry Court development on people his age and generations to come.

Abbey School pupil Jack Winslade has been studying the 310-home, restaurant, and 100-bed hotel plans as part of his geography A-level and researching the local conflict which has come with it.

The 18-year-old, who has lived in the town his whole life and whose family tree stretches back in Faversham for many years, believes the young people who will bear the brunt of big developments have never been consulted on Perry Court.

Jack Winslade at the Perry Court development.
Jack Winslade at the Perry Court development.

He said: “Faversham is a very special place to live and is held close to the hearts of the young people who live here.

“If we were to open the flood gates to massive, unsustainable development in the town then I fear this special community feeling will be lost to my generation.

“I am angry that the views of the next generation have not even be asked by councillors." - Jack Winslade

“I am angry that the views of the next generation have not even be asked by councillors or development companies who have the opportunity to visit the town’s two secondary schools, to ask the views of students who will be left with the consequences of this development.

“The role of the council should be to protect the interests of the residents, which in this instance is not the case as the vast majority strongly oppose the development. Councillors certainly need to look in the mirror and get their act together to resolve this pitiful situation.”

Jack, of Hilton Close, is concerned about the environment and believes the A2 is already congested enough, adding that the addition of 310 homes is “not sustainable”.

In his studies he claims he has found that the air quality would be significantly reduced and the effect on the wildlife would be “disastrous”.

He added: “As an Abbey School student I also fear for the safety of my fellow pupils who will be faced with the risk of increased traffic problems.

Henry Davidson Developments announced it has bought three plots at the controversial Ashford Road site
Henry Davidson Developments announced it has bought three plots at the controversial Ashford Road site

“The school is a fantastic asset to the town and provides a high-quality education.

“I have a concern with the increased pressure on both our secondary schools and that it will create a number of different problems which will affect that education.

“I hope that both the borough and town councils finally wake up and listen to the people. We do not want this development.

“It isn’t practical nor sustainable. I also hope that some councillors read this and take onboard that young people of the town need to be represented on both councils.

“We are the next generation and we care for Faversham as much as the elder generation.”

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