Developers have lodged fresh plans to build homes on farmland – almost two years after their previous, divisive attempt was rejected.

The new application seeks permission for 35 houses to be built at Archers Low Farm, Sandwich, a 6.1-acre greenfield site to the south-east of the town, between St George’s Road and Sandown Road.

It follows the rejection of an earlier scheme for 44 properties on the same land, which was branded an “unwarranted intrusion” into the landscape and thrown out by Dover District Council (DDC) in March 2022.

That refusal was later upheld by the Planning Inspectorate in February 2023.

Developer Fernham Homes has now returned with a scaled-back proposal, which it says has been “carefully developed to comply with planning policy and guidance in a manner that is sensitive to its setting”.

The latest plans include a mix of 35 one to four-bedroom homes, 10 of which would be affordable.

The developer says homes would be two storeys tall and designed to “reflect the historic character of Sandwich”.

The layout also features green open space, a play area, and parking, including seven visitor bays.

In a statement in planning documents, Fernham Homes says the proposals “respond to the opportunities and constraints of the site” and “address the limited reasons for refusal and subsequent dismissal at appeal” of the previous scheme.

Additionally, the land is now earmarked for housing under the recently adopted Local Plan, which is set out by DDC.

The last time plans came forward for the site – initially for 52 homes but later scaled back to 44 – they were met with strong opposition, with more than 450 letters of objection sent to DDC. Just seven people wrote in support.

Concerns at the time centred around the loss of countryside views, the impact on mature trees, and the principle of developing a greenfield site.

Sandwich councillor Dan Friend (Con) was among the opponents.

Speaking after the appeal decision in 2023, he said: “It was a green belt agricultural piece of land that had some beautiful trees and a wonderful view out across the countryside.

“It wasn’t part of the development plan, and it was an unwarranted intrusion into this landscape setting in Sandwich.”

That previous application was ultimately dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate following a two-day hearing and site visit.

The inspector found that the development would harm the character of the area and cause “unacceptable landscape and visual impacts”.

However, with the land now formally included in Sandwich’s future housing strategy, Fernham Homes is hoping its revised plans will fare better.

The developer says it has “undertaken extensive analysis of local vernacular” to shape a scheme that “respects and reflects the character of Sandwich”.