New 300-home estate approved despite concerns
Local Democracy Reporting ServiceThe approval of a 300-home housing estate in Kent has been described as "incredibly disappointing" by a local councillor.
The 65-acre Bodkin Farm site in Chestfield, near Whitstable, had been earmarked for housing for more than a decade and was given the green light on Tuesday.
The latest application, submitted by Parker Strategic Land in 2023, sought permission for 300 homes, a secondary school, a sixth form, sports facilities and retail space.
Ward member for Chestfield, councillor James Flanagan, has raised concerns about traffic congestion and water, but developers claim the land off Old Thanet Way could host a "new sustainable community", with a 24-unit care home also proposed.
Flanagan said: "This is incredibly disappointing news for local residents.
"The Bodkin development will only add to traffic congestion in the area, and I'm not convinced that water infrastructure will be able to cope – particularly after the disruptions we've seen this summer."
The land was identified for housing in the recently published draft Local Plan, despite being designated as part of the Green Gap in the currently adopted Local Plan by Canterbury City Council.
The Green Gap – a strip of fields between Whitstable and Herne Bay described as the "lungs" of the towns – has been a long-contested area with campaigners fighting to protect it against development to "prevent urban sprawl", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Local Democracy Reporting ServicePlans for the site were proposed by Eton College in 2014 but refused on appeal by a planning inspector the following year.
In May, the council's planning committee voted to defer a decision on the latest bid, seeking more information on wastewater treatment and transport matters.
The development was finally given the green light by councillors on 21 July despite receiving 75 objections.
The committee voted to approve the application with five votes in favour and three abstentions.
