Critics claiming it would be “madness” to build another housing estate off a busy Kent coastal road have been branded “nimbys” in a clash over the need for new homes.

Opponents of the latest project along the Old Thanet Way in Whitstable say it risks the “very character” of the town, claiming it is already “swamped” by development.

But those supporting the 220-home scheme - which includes a new park and ride - have derided the familiar arguments put forward by objectors.

The opposing views have been laid bare as a decision on whether to green-light the development - known as Benacre View - is due to be made by Canterbury city councillors on Tuesday.

Officers have recommended the plans be approved, despite more than 70 official objections being submitted to the authority.

If given the go-ahead, the estate would be constructed on a greenfield site opposite a recently built 400-home development on the other side of the Old Thanet Way, known as Whitstable Heights.

Meanwhile, a bid for a 220-home estate further along the road at Seasalter was approved earlier this year, while plans are also in to build 300 homes and a new secondary school at Bodkin Farm in Chestfield.

Figures show that up to April last year just 1.6% of land in the Canterbury district was in use for residential or housing.

But in her objection to the Benacre View scheme, Jacqueline Page claims Whitstable is being “destroyed by overdevelopment”.

"There are fewer and fewer fields on which to grow crops and green spaces for recreation in what is supposed to be the Garden of England,” she said.

"Please stop this madness."

The estate would comprise a mix of one- and two-bedroom flats, along with two-, three- and four-bedroom houses.

The developer, Catesby Estates, says 30% of the properties will be affordable.

But Dr Joanna Waller questions whether the new homes will be within the price range of those who need them.

"Much of the development that has already taken place along the Old Thanet Way is unaffordable for the people who need it most," she writes.

"I belong to a local organisation which helps people in need, and we encounter over and over again people who are struggling with high rents, cost of living, substandard housing, and this new development will not be serving their needs."

Sarah Holliday expresses fears about the pressures on local infrastructure, adding: “Please do not swamp us in more housing.”

The Benacre View site is earmarked in Canterbury City Council’s draft Local Plan, which is the authority’s housing blueprint up to 2045.

Four councillors have criticised the proposals, including Labour’s Chris Cornell, who represents Whitstable’s Gorrell ward.

"A new estate on this site wouldn't have even been considered last year," he said.

"But the council's failure to deliver affordable housing elsewhere means developers can now [submit] applications before many of the new safeguards we have fought for so hard on sewage are in place.

"The very character of Whitstable is at risk if we allow unfettered development along the Thanet Way."

The councillor also hit out at the plans for the park and ride, which he says would not be like other sites in nearby Canterbury.

"It's a big car park which allows you to get an expensive bus into town, and without any detail about where the bus will run and how regularly," he added.

"The plan will also expect hundreds of people to cross over a 50mph dual-carriageway to get to the bus stop.

"This isn't safe - it just isn't the right place for a park and ride, which needs to be near the New Thanet Way slip."

However, among the representations of support were impassioned arguments for more new homes in the town.

Janet Little, whose family own a neighbouring site also earmarked for development, branded some councillors nimbys - an acronym for not in my back yard - and hit out at a planning system “not fit for purpose”.

She added: “We have the general public who will always say we cannot cope with any more housing, whilst living in a home.

“Or the town is too small, or pretty, or the roads cannot cope, whilst that household has three to four cars on the drive.”

Hannah Felton-Little added: “We have a huge need for housing in Whitstable.

“EVERY house built in Whitstable is sold before it's built, it is rented out as soon as made available.

“The fact is, social housing is non-existent. CCC, as indeed many local planning authorities (LPAs), do not build social housing - that's the reality. This LPA has allowed many homes in the area to be Airbnbs - what good planning is that?

“I personally have seen NO real changes since all the new-builds in the area on the roads.

“Yes, you may have to queue a little time longer, 2/3 minutes, but is that a reason not to build houses? I say no!

“I suggest all the commentators who oppose these sites and housing all live in a lovely house, with a car, and are getting on with their lives, whilst many others have to just WAIT for what?”

The development site, which has 400 square metres set aside for a retail or community building with parking, will have a new access off the Old Thanet Way, via the Duncan Down roundabout.

The project also includes a community park, children’s play area and allotments.

Natural England has raised concerns about the impact on local wildlife, while the Whitstable Society and the Thanet Way Residents Association are among the other objectors.

But the city council’s planning department has recommended the application be approved at a committee meeting on Tuesday.

An officer says the 220 homes - scaled back from 270 under fresh plans - would make a “significant contribution” towards the authority’s housing and affordable housing needs.

“The site is in reasonable proximity to the nearby Tesco store and also includes the provision of a retail and/or community facility on site which, subject to demand, could offer future occupiers an on-site shopping opportunity and/or facility enabling community integration,” they wrote.

“The site is not considered unsustainable.

“The proposals would lead to the loss of BMV agricultural land, which weighs against the proposals, and the location of housing on a greenfield site and outside of the urban area would result in a degree of visual harm.

“However, from the majority of surrounding viewpoints, the proposals would be read within the context of adjacent highway infrastructure and built form to the north.”

To view the application, search reference CA/23/00379 on CCC's planning portal.