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Plans for nine homes in Egerton, near Ashford, given green light amid concerns over countryside

A bid to build nine ‘affordable’ homes on farmland has been approved amid concerns the countryside is “becoming a place for the rich and retired”.

The English Rural Housing Association (ERHA) submitted plans for the site in Egerton, near Ashford, more than two years ago.

Nine homes are planned for farmland in Crockenhill Road, Egerton. Picture: Google
Nine homes are planned for farmland in Crockenhill Road, Egerton. Picture: Google

Now Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has green-lit the divisive bid for the properties on a 1.2-acre patch off Crockenhill Road.

The scheme was given the nod after 17 comments were made against the plan, with eight registered in favour on ABC’s planning portal.

Supporter Ewelina Bednarz wrote: “Do we really want the countryside to become a place for the rich and retired?

“We do need affordable homes in Egerton.

“There are too many families and young people who would like to stay in the countryside and support the community.

The site for nine homes off Crockenhill Road. Picture: Google
The site for nine homes off Crockenhill Road. Picture: Google

“How will they stay if we don’t do anything about it?”

The permission allows for two one-bedroom apartments, two two-bedroom homes, two three-bedroom homes, and two three-bedroom bungalows, all of which will be classed as ‘affordable’.

‘Affordable’ housing schemes aim to make cheaper homes available for people who cannot afford to buy or rent at market rates.

The government says they should be "social rented, affordable rented and intermediate housing, provided to specified eligible households whose needs are not met by the market".

ERHA’s plan for Egerton also includes one plot for a custom-built house.

How one of the homes planned for farmland in Crockenhill Road, Egerton, could look. Picture: ECE Architects
How one of the homes planned for farmland in Crockenhill Road, Egerton, could look. Picture: ECE Architects

Speaking out against the project, Susan Palmer commented: “We strongly object to this application because the village infrastructure cannot cope with any further people or traffic coming into the village.

“The sewage system cannot cope, the water pressure is very poor, and the roads badly need repair. There are no doctors in Egerton, so residents go to other villages that are totally overstretched.

“Planners need to start looking at the village’s infrastructure.

“More houses are built in Egerton, but we have lost our shop, pub and local bus services to Ashford - it just cannot cope.”

The scheme will also provide 20 parking spaces, with four available for visitors, cycle storage and a garage for each home.

Access will be provided via Crockenhill Road, with the rest of the site surrounded by farmland.

The design and access statement prepared by ECE Architects states the project will help meet the district's need for housing.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The firm said: “The proposal is considered to provide a sustainable, high-quality design, adding visual interest to the local area.

“The scheme will create high-quality and thoughtfully designed dwellings and high-quality public and private spaces that have been carefully located to protect the amenities of the surrounding dwellings.”

ERHA has been contacted for comment.

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