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Plans for 675 homes off Wises Lane and Cryalls Lane, Borden, submitted to Swale council

Controversial plans for more than 600 homes, a school, shops and a rugby clubhouse have been submitted to Swale council.

The hybrid proposal for land off Cryalls Lane and Wises Lane in Borden also includes a link road between Borden Lane and Chestnut Street.

Mark Quinn, director of Quinn Estates which is behind the planned development, said: “We are one of the only sites that provides a meaningful, strategic highway that should provide significant benefits to Key Street roundabout.”

An artist's impression of the proposed development at Wises Lane
An artist's impression of the proposed development at Wises Lane

The school would be a two-form entry primary, which Mr Quinn said was 40 per cent bigger in size than initially planned.

He added a firm had been lined up for one of the shops and the other retail units could potentially be a takeaway and a restaurant.

A new clubhouse would be provided for Sittingbourne Rugby Club.

Mr Quinn said a national house builder was on board and he hoped to begin construction straight away if planning permission is granted, which he estimated could be as early as May next year.

The plans have proven controversial with the group Borden Residents Against Development, or Brad, marching in protest. They could not prevent the land being earmarked for up to 564 homes in Swale’s Local Plan in the summer.

Mr Quinn added: “I believe that unless we start building more houses that another generation can afford to buy then what we are going to get is a social disconnect.

“It isn’t good enough just to say, ‘I’ve got a house, unlucky I’m afraid’.”

Quinn Estates managing director Mark Quinn
Quinn Estates managing director Mark Quinn

He added more homes would provide more competition between developers leading to lower house prices.

The plans are currently being validated by Swale council.

Cllr Mike Baldock (Ukip), a member of Brad, said the 675 homes were significantly above the 560 initially stated in the Local Plan.

He said: “If they are going to allow the development, Swale should wait until there are sufficient transport improvements in place.

“At the very least that means the upgrade to the Stockbury roundabout.

“Traffic is one of the largest concerns. It affects virtually everyone in west Sittingbourne, everyone who uses the A249.

“This new development would mean they would suffer even worse and it will take even longer to get out of Sittingbourne.”

He added the group was also concerned about the loss of farmland.

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