Residents have vented their anger at a developer’s plan to build new homes in the village – arguing that “someone is going to get killed”.
Esquire Developments has unveiled proposals to build 17 mixed-use homes in the heart of Wingham, near Canterbury.
But the firm’s plans submitted to Dover District Council attracted fierce opposition with 105 objections, many of which centered on the potentially dangerous junction.
Anne Ethell, who has a problem with the Esquire access route from Gobery Hill, said: “Anyone who sees them putting a crossing there is ridiculous.
“I wouldn’t want to see my grandchildren cross there – if you encourage people to cross there, someone will get killed.”
Gemma Porter added: “The access area to the proposed dwellings is situated on a high traffic road and would create a dangerous diversion.”
Esquire highlights that the 1.3 hectare site will create an “exciting opportunity” while expanding the housing stock.
The company hopes to build 12 private homes, eight of which will have three bedrooms and the rest four.
It would also include two welfare homes, one affordable home and two starter homes with 39 parking spaces.
The Longfield-based company said in planning documents: “The intention of the development is to create an integrated and well-designed community that contributes positively to the mix of housing and land supply in the local area.
“This mix in favor of smaller unit types is suitable for first-time buyers and younger families who want to stay in the village.
“Especial care and attention has been given from the outset to the environment of the surrounding buildings and to maintaining the rural setting of Wingham.
“They represent an exciting opportunity to deliver a new and well-designed addition to Wingham, benefiting the wider neighborhood and maintaining a key local asset. [by] continue to serve the local and wider community.”
The application comes four years after Leath Park Developments was refused permission for 15 homes on the same site.
Then planning chiefs highlighted safety concerns for pedestrians at the junction with Gobery Hill and Preston Hill.
But the scheme would not officially face the ax until May 2022, when Leath’s appeal was rejected by the Planning Inspectorate after a long-running saga.
Esquire says its revised application will ensure there will be “pedestrian crossing facilities”, including one next to the straight at Preston Hill.
As part of the proposed works, a section of the junction will also be narrowed to reduce vehicle speeds and improve visibility between drivers and pedestrians.
A crossing area should also be provided for larger vehicles that can use the intersection.
However, more than 100 objectors believe the development should be refused again due to safety concerns.
Some express concern over the rapid expansion of the village, which in 2021 had fewer than 2,000 residents.
“There are many homes for sale in the village that have been on the market for many, many months,” Ms. Bettina Braun wrote.
“There is no need for more expensive houses that local people and our young people cannot afford – even so-called affordable houses are not available for local people.
“There is a development of 70 homes that has planning approval, which includes a mix of homes and affordable homes specifically for local residents that are more responsive to local needs.
“So there is no need for more houses now.
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The developers added that the reason for increasing the number of proposed homes from 15 to 17 is that the latest proposal has different property sizes and fewer detached homes.
In February, councilors unanimously approved plans for 71 new homes 1.4 miles away on land north of Staple Road.
The nod was given despite residents’ concerns about overdevelopment and damage to wildlife.