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Public invited to examine revised plans for controversial 10,000-home Otterpool Park 'garden town' near Hythe

15:00, 11 May 2022

updated: 15:21, 16 May 2022

Revised plans for a controversial 10,000-home 'garden town' have been submitted for further public consultation.

The detail of the application for outline planning permission for the new Otterpool Park community, which will be built between Hythe and Ashford, will be put on show at a public exhibition at Westenhanger Castle on May 19 between midday and 8pm.

How Otterpool Park could look once built. Picture: Pillory Barn
How Otterpool Park could look once built. Picture: Pillory Barn

As well as thousands of homes, if approved the development will boast new schools, health centres, open spaces, restaurants, shops and other leisure facilities.

The project is being led by Folkestone and Hythe District Council, which has set up a company, Otterpool Park LLP, to manage the delivery of the ambitious scheme over a timescale of 25 years or longer.

Its amended outline plans have been drawn up following feedback received in earlier rounds of consultation with the public.

Changes include the inclusion of Westenhanger Castle within the site boundary, the addition of land to reflect the likely requirement for a wastewater facility, and additional land for road junction works at Newingreen junction.

Andy Jarrett, managing director of Otterpool Park LLP, said: "We'd like to invite people to come and find out how we have amended the planning application in response to people's comments.

Andy Jarrett from the Otterpool Park LLP pictured at the former Folkestone Racecourse. Picture: Andy Jones
Andy Jarrett from the Otterpool Park LLP pictured at the former Folkestone Racecourse. Picture: Andy Jones

"Visitors will be able to learn about how we propose to address local housing needs, employment and our approach to topics like heritage, sustainability and travel around the site and beyond."

Although the May 19 event at Westenhanger Castle will provide the chance for people to find out more and ask questions about the plans, formal comments on the outline planning application must be submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council via their website before June 24.

The team behind the proposed development, which will be 50% green space, say it takes inspiration from the local landscape, culture and heritage of the area.

It will be one of the largest new communities in the country and is expected to deliver more than 9,000 jobs over 25-30 years.

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