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110 homes planned for land next to Kent Battle of Britain Museum

By: Alex Jee ajee@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 16:46, 02 February 2022

Updated: 20:19, 02 February 2022

Plans have been submitted for more than 100 homes next to one of Folkestone's best-loved attractions.

Developers have earmarked land neighbouring the Kent Battle of Britain Museum in Hawkinge for housing.

Homes are planned for land next to the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. Photo: Dave Brocklehurst

The proposal is for 110 homes and public open space covering 5.2 hectares on the former Second World War airfield.

It also dedicates just over one hectare for "potential future expansion" of the museum and the creation of an overspill car park that can be accessed from Elvington Lane.

The proposals also include a possible village green around existing trees, a play area and a central 'green corridor' with existing trees, footpaths, new hedgerows and trees.

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Developers cited the idea in the hope of "creating an attractive recreational space and breaking up views of the built form from the south".

For years during the Second World War, Hawkinge was used as a fighter base, as well as for refuelling the planes in the British Expeditionary Force, the Dunkirk evacuation and the Battle of Britain.

The proposed layout of the development. Photo: Dean Lewis Estates

However, much of the original airfield has now been demolished and much of the site lays overgrown.

A survey into the heritage of the site by surveyors said: “Although Hawkinge Airfeld has considerable heritage significance, the focus of this interest, and of potential additional interest, appears now to rest on the surviving buildings centred around Hawkinge Battle of Britain Museum.

"The present development site appears not to retain any structures or features which are likely to throw additional light on the early or WWII-period use of the airfield."

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