Kent Village Expansion Faces Approval After Council Retreats

Plans for a nearly 50% expansion of the village of Littlebourne in Kent are set to move forward after councillors decided not to defend their earlier rejection of a housing development at appeal. The proposed project, put forth by Gladman Homes, involves the construction of 300 homes on land near Howletts Animal Park. The plans, first submitted in April 2023, faced significant opposition from local residents who expressed concerns about the impact on the village’s infrastructure.

The debate surrounding the housing development has been contentious. Councillors initially voted to reject the proposal in July 2023, citing fears that it would exacerbate existing issues with sewage management and traffic in the area. During that meeting, Simon Thomas, head of planning at Canterbury City Council (CCC), warned that rejecting the application without strong evidence could lead to a costly defeat in an appeal process. He emphasized that while the development could not resolve current problems, it should not contribute to them.

Despite the warnings, the council unanimously voted against the proposal, highlighting the overwhelming public opposition, which included over 300 letters of objection. Residents argued that the proposed expansion would significantly strain the village’s resources. Parish councillor Melanie Moore articulated this concern, stating, “This development will increase Littlebourne’s housing stock by 46%. In times of high rainfall, sewage is backing up into people’s toilets and the bottom of the village now; imagine what it will be like with 46% more people in Littlebourne.”

Environmental concerns were also raised during the discussions. Former Environment Agency ecologist Richard Andrews cautioned that the proposal could threaten the delicate ecosystem of the Little Stour river, a globally rare chalk river. He argued for the necessity of adequately assessing the ecological impact before making any decisions. The rejection was ultimately based on concerns about pollution risks, inadequate transport links, and the potential harm to the rural character of the area.

In a surprising turn of events, the council has since decided not to defend its rejection at the upcoming appeal. A letter sent to residents by Simon Thomas on November 11, 2023, confirmed that the planning committee chose not to uphold the refusal, citing “insufficient evidence” to support their original decision. This shift came after councillors re-evaluated their stance based on legal advice. Of the committee members, eight voted to back down, one voted to continue opposing the plans, and four abstained.

Ward councillor Lee Castle expressed his concerns about the implications of continuing to fight the appeal with little chance of success. He stated, “To continue to fight the appeal would have created a huge risk that substantial costs would be awarded against the council, which would not be fair to council taxpayers throughout the district.” If the Planning Inspectorate rules in favour of the developer, CCC could face legal fees and potentially higher costs had they pursued the appeal.

Looking ahead, Castle indicated that he would advocate for strict controls regarding environmental management if the development receives approval. He asserted that the council would ensure wastewater disposal arrangements were in place and that the site’s surface water management would prevent environmental harm.

The planning inquiry is scheduled for February 2024, where the inspector will allow interested parties to present their views. A spokesperson for CCC confirmed that council officers would attend the inquiry to advocate for stringent conditions should the development be approved. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring that any development does not commence until satisfactory wastewater management and surface water controls are established.

Gladman Homes has been approached for comment regarding the latest developments in this ongoing situation. As the inquiry approaches, the future of Littlebourne and its expansion remains uncertain, reflecting the complex interplay between local development needs and community concerns.