Official plans years in the making have been launched for a 1,800-home village - with developers hoping to break ground next year.

Winterbourne Fields, situated between Faversham and Canterbury, would see almost 220 acres of “poor-quality” farmland transformed into a village boasting shops, restaurants and a primary school.

First revealed by Shaptor Capital in November 2020, the fresh plans show homes would be rolled out in tranches, with spades hitting the earth in the latter half of next year.

The first 270 homes are hoped to be delivered by 2027, then 675 by 2032 and the rest by 2039.

News of the project has proved controversial with critics slamming the impact on the environment, the loss of farmland and the scale of the project.

However, in papers submitted to Swale Borough Council, the developers say it “supports the greenest of living environments imaginable, being shrouded by magnificent ancient woodland.”

The latest proposals surfaced as multiple developers eye up areas surrounding Faversham, with plans for 2,500 homes Duchy of Cornwall estate and the extension of Faversham Lakes.

On Winterbourne Fields, Shaptor’s official plans say: “Due to the facilities and environment available, Winterbourne Fields is the chosen destination for families, first-time buyers and retired people to live, work and play.”

Positioned mainly to the south of the A2, the development would boast 1,815 dwellings – between one and four beds – including a 160-bed retirement home and 545 affordable properties.

At the heart of the village, a two-form entry primary school and early years centre would be implemented along with a convenience store, GP surgery and public areas dubbed Winterbourne Park.

New slip roads allowing drivers to enter and exit the estate via both London and coastbound carriageways have been proposed, while the existing Dunkirk slip road would be closed but retained in case of future development.

North of the A2, allotments and an employment park will be introduced alongside roundabouts offering access to the village and Dunkirk.

To the west of the land, sports pitches, a pavilion and a gym would be built whilst cycling routes would be laid down throughout the estate.

A 60-acre plot has been earmarked for green and amenity open space, including a 5km recreation trail.

The developers hope an influx of businesses including restaurants, the care home, school and work hubs could see as many as 600 jobs created within the village.

5G broadband would be available for every property in the area in a bid to address rising working-from-home numbers.

An electric vehicle charging hub would be placed within the village centre with room for about 36 vehicles as a mix of medium, rapid, ultra-rapid and Tesla chargers.

A transport hub would be designed to offer passengers and drivers charging their cars with somewhere warm and comfortable to sit and enjoy a coffee from a cafe while they wait.

The firm is working with bus operators, with the aim to have express services running in the area to Faversham and Canterbury every 15 minutes.

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Shaptor’s managing director Marco Nardini said: “Our vision for Winterbourne Fields is for a diverse and thriving community and we propose a range of properties for rent and for sale to accommodate residents at all life stages and circumstances.

“We believe this is the right place to offer the chance of sustainable village living to more people in Swale.

“Through the creation of new infrastructure, including new and upgraded transport options and health facilities, our plans will also support village life for our neighbours in Dunkirk and Boughton-under-Blean.

“Our proposals have evolved extensively in response to consultation with the local community, with the County’s Design Review Panel and with officers at Swale Borough Council, Kent County Council and Highways England.

“We look forward to continuing to work with the Council, the local community and its representatives as our application progresses.”

Residents from Boughton-under-Blean and Dunkirk came together last year in a bid to protect the “green gap” and prevent the villages from becoming a suburb of Faversham.

It had been suggested the estate could host more than 2,000 homes in August, though the final number has settled between this and the originally proposed 1,740 dwellings.

It is hoped the application will be determined by the end of the year.