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Richborough Estates wants 110 homes near Sandwich Road, Sholden, Deal

Applicants who had their plan for 117 homes rejected have reapplied, now asking for 110.

The original scheme, for land opposite Sholden Fields in Sandwich Road near Deal, was kicked out by councillors in September on grounds of landscaping issues.

Richborough Estates Limited has reapplied for permission to build a new estate on land opposite Sholden Fields
Richborough Estates Limited has reapplied for permission to build a new estate on land opposite Sholden Fields

Now Richborough Estates Limited, of Birmingham, has made an amended submission to Dover District Council's planning department.

A letter to the council from agents Pinnacle Planning lists other proposed changes such as a slight alteration to the housing mix to include five bungalows and reduction of the highest buildings from two-and-a-half storeys to two.

Changes in landscaping are also planned with buffers increased along the north-western and south-western boundaries, with additional hedgerow and woodland planted to screen the site.

The letter from director Mike O'Brien said: "We would be grateful if you could commence consultation as soon as you can to enable the potential consideration at planning committee on November 11."

The outlined application is now listed for debate by councillors that day.

The development is planned for near Sandwich Road
The development is planned for near Sandwich Road

Planning officers had recommended approval of the 117 homes, when that application was heard on September 16 but the planning committee rejected it six to three.

Some were against the estate being put on prime farming land and local primary schools would not be able to cope with extra population.

Sholden Parish Council said trees needed to absorb greenhouse gases would be cut down and the extra concreting of land would lead to more flooding.

A total 32 letters of objection were also sent in by members of the public.

Since then 13 more have been submitted, with zero in support.

"We should be looking to redevelop existing properties."

Jennifer Wynn said: "This is ridiculous of the developers to think that by reducing the proposal by seven would make any difference.

"The fact remains that the proposal is for arable farm land used for growing much needed crops.

"It's opposite an already existing large development leading on to an already busy single lane road. Traffic is already heavy and the road has constant accidents."

Objector Lucy Garner said: "In a world where climate change is the main focus and saving our planet we should be looking to redevelop existing properties and unused high streets into residential housing.

"This development which will bring in more people therefore more vehicles will also effect the already busy roads around the area and the road infrastructure will not support this."

The original scheme was outvoted by councillors in September
The original scheme was outvoted by councillors in September

Ruth King said: "Deal doctors and dentists are at capacity already. Just building homes solves one issue but creates so many more."

The site is almost five hectares and if approved will be around the corner from another new development at Betteshanger Park and Almond House, where 210 homes were approved in May.

The application will be discussed at the planning committee meeting from 6pm on Thursday, November 11. at the Dover District Council headquarters at the White Cliffs Business Park in Whitfield.

KentOnline has asked Richborough Estates if it wants to make any further comment.

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

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