Plans to build a housing estate on a farmer’s field in Whitstable have now been submitted to council chiefs.

The land, off Grasmere Road, Chestfield, will have 170 homes built if plans are approved.

Revealed in the Gazette last year, the plans were put forward to residents in a bid to get their feedback.

The proposals come after a 330-home proposal on a 40-acre green space south of the John Wilson Business Park was announced early last year.

Since being proposed, there has been a mixed response from residents.

Commenting on the Facebook group Overheard and Seen in Whitstable, Leigha Green voiced her support: “I am really hoping the plans go ahead.

“With new homes being built in the local area, it means we are able to stay close to where I grew up and hopefully get on the property ladder with the government’s Help to Buy scheme, which is available for new builds only.

“Without new houses being built, it is almost impossible for us to do this.”

A children’s play area, parkland and drainage basins would also be created along with the homes, a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced homes.

Georgia Pettipher, however, is opposed to the amount of homes planned in Whitstable.

“I would be very surprised if this development does generate substantial affordable housing.

“Construction firms have managed to lessen the numbers over the years and by affordable, they mean 20% lower than the going rate – which, in Whitstable, has risen by 12% in the last year alone.

“It’s purely a corporate scheme to line someone’s pockets with no thought or regard to the local community.

“I’m against it – there are so few areas of undeveloped land in Whitstable and the developments in recent years have been nasty.”

Kyle Eames said: “Ridiculous trying to get out of my road as it is, without this huge development making it worse.

“It’s a beautiful green to walk the dogs.

“Loads more houses but no more schools? Swalecliffe is oversubscribed as it is.”

In documents released by the developer, bosses at Gladman say: “The site is close to existing facilities, all within a five- to 10-minute walking distance.

“New residents will benefit from the nearby supermarkets, recreation ground and sports centre opposite Thanet Way.

“Hedgerows around the site will be retained, and new tree and shrub planting will increase biodiversity.”