A public consultation is set to be held for the construction of up to 570 homes on agricultural land.

Developer Fernham Homes has requested to consult with Swale council about possible plans it might submit in the future.

The 23-hectare site lies south of Iwade and has Sheppey Way to the south-east, as well as School Lane to the north-west.

A public right of way (PROW) footpath runs along the north-east boundary.

In July, the developers asked the council for a "screening opinion" on whether it was necessary to submit an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with a planning application.

Up to 570 residential homes could be built on the land at Coleshall Farm. Fernham Homes says it would also have “significant” green spaces.

The report mentions there may be some urban development – including retail facilities, a children's nursery and a care home – which could extend over one hectare.

A 60-bed care home next to the site has already been approved, despite residents’ concerns.

The report mentions there is a Grade II listed building nearby called Coleshall Farmhouse, but it lies outside of the proposed site boundary.

A new entrance to the estate would be created along Sheppey Way, with another from School Lane.

There are already a number of new developments taking place in Iwade.

Since it was first identified as a growth point in the 1990s, around 1,200 homes have been completed.

Land on the northern, eastern and southern border of the village was allocated for additional development in Swale’s Local Plan 2017, which adjusted the settlement boundary.

Bellway is looking to take on a project for 445 homes and an 100-acre country park to the east.

The housebuilder said it was considering a mix of houses and apartments, including 30 affordable properties, off Grovehurst Road and The Street.

In July, plans were approved for a 115-home estate at what was Great Grovehurst Farm, near Grovehurst Roundabout in Kemsley.

It comes after 1,200 homes were given the green light for 64 hectares of farmland along the railway line between Quinton Road and Grovehurst Road.

On Friday, August 9, the council decided an EIA was not required for a potential future planning application.

It said: “The proposal seeks to construct a new residential-led mixed use development in a previously non-urbanised area and therefore it is clear that it will provide a significant change to the character and appearance of the site.

“However, it is acknowledged that the site is adjacent to an existing urban settlement and is not within or adjoining protected landscape areas.”

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Residents have since received a notice that there will be a public consultation on Tuesday, September 17.

“We understand the common concerns associated with new development.”

It says: “Fernham Homes are holding this event to engage with members of the public in relation to a site we believe is suitable for a residentially led mixed use development located to the south of Iwade.

“We understand the common concerns associated with new development.

“The aim of the event is to understand what you as a resident would like to see as part of any proposals on the site.

“Fernham Homes would like to work collaboratively with the community of Iwade with the goal of creating a proposal that we can all be proud of.”

The consultation is taking place at the Village Hall in Ferry Road and will run from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.