A 44-home development branded an “unwarranted intrusion” into the landscape has been put to bed as a national inspector backed a district council’s refusal.

The bid for development at Archers Low Farm, Sandwich, was initially for 52 properties but Fernham Homes scaled down the proposal after uproar from residents in January 2022.

Since the developer came forward with plans in February 2021, more than 450 objections were written to Dover District Council (DDC), with only seven letters of support received.

Council planning chiefs recommended that members back the scheme when it first went to DDC’s planning committee in March last year, but members voted it down, citing damage to trees and the local landscape.

Fernham Homes and Walker Residential Ltd appealed to the national Planning Inspectorate - which can overturn local authorities’ planning decisions.

However, after a hearing and a site visit on January 17-18, the body decided on February 9 to uphold DDC’s refusal.

The Inspectorate said the proposal “would have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area”.

“The scheme would be particularly intrusive, due to the need to break into wooded countryside,” it added.

Sandwich representative Cllr Dan Friend (Con) was against the proposal from the start.

“It was a green belt agricultural piece of land that had some beautiful trees and a wonderful view out across the countryside,” he said.

“It wasn’t part of the development plan, and it was an unwarranted intrusion into this landscape setting in Sandwich.

“It was a site full of very mature trees, any replacement would’ve taken 150 years to get to the same level that’s currently on there.

“It’s a great outcome for the residents, it’s what the community wanted.

“The residents of Sandwich are not against new housing, or providing houses for young families to come into the area, we just want the right houses in the right places.”

In the initial plans for the site near Sir Roger Manwood’s School, developers Fernham Homes wrote: “It is a sustainable location within the settlement of Sandwich.

“In preparing this scheme considerable attention has been given to the character and layout of the proposals 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 of the houses and sensitive landscaping will enhance the area both in terms of biodiversity and as a place to live.”

Following the decision, a spokesperson for Fernham Homes said: “We are disappointed that the Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal at Archers Low Farm, and are currently considering our next steps.”