Plans for what has been branded a “millionaires’ enclave” will devastate an historic village, fear residents.

Canterbury-based developer Rogate wants to build seven four-bedroom homes in Pear Orchard - a meadow in Wickhambreaux, located within a conservation area.

But the proposals are being fought by villagers, who have teamed up to form Wickhambreaux Action Group.

Founder Ana Thomson said: “There is no local need or desire for this millionaires’ enclave which would be totally out of character with the rest of the village.”

Mrs Thomson says the development would have a permanent, “devastating” impact on the village - a claim rejected by Rogate.

“If the developer succeeds in getting this through, other similar developments will follow, transforming the character of the village forever,” she said.

“There is no way this executive housing estate in the centre of one of Kent’s finest and best-preserved historic villages would enhance or preserve the conservation area.”

The group says the infrastructure of Wickhambreaux - which has “over-crowded medieval lanes”, power outages and no GP surgery or shop - is already over-strained.

They are particularly concerned about the impact the new homes will have on the safety of The List, a narrow lane which is to be the main access for the development.

But Rogate director John Showler rejects many of the criticisms of the scheme, saying it is “preposterous” to claim the new homes would “over-burden” local services.

“Although the scheme is for seven houses in total, two are replacement dwellings,” he said.

“Rogate has a reputation for being one of the most sensitive developers in the area with awards for ‘fitting’ new buildings into conservation areas.

“We have had a heritage statement prepared by specialists which concludes the proposal would have no impact on the character of the conservation area.

“The properties are just detached family homes which will help support village amenities, in particular the primary school that needs a flow of new pupils to survive. It is preposterous to suggest that five additional houses will overburden local services.

“They are not homes for millionaires.

“All villages need new blood to continue to thrive. Is it not just the old guard pulling up the drawbridge and being against change - no matter how modest?”

Mr Showler says after a public exhibition in the village they have worked closely with Kent Highways - which “supports the scheme - to improve the junction with The List and Grove Road.

“We have held a public exhibition in Wickhambreaux and the main issue raised by local residents was using the List to access the site.

“But we have been working closely with Kent Highways to improve the Grove Road / List junction.

“As a result, Kent Highways supports the scheme and consider our proposals have wider benefits to all road users and the local community,”he added.

The plans for the homes - expected to range from £700,000 to £1.25m - are available for comment on the city council’s planning website until October 11, reference CA//19/01798.

An application for 12 homes on the site was turned down in 2010 because of the scale of the proposal.

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