Plans for 350 homes by AE Estates in Beltinge, near Herne Bay, revived

Frustrated residents say their “once picturesque” village has turned into an “overcrowded, traffic-clogged nightmare” amid plans for an extra 350 homes.

AE Estates has produced new designs for a major 1,400-home development at Hillborough, on the edge of Herne Bay.

The Canterbury housebuilder made original proposals three years ago but shelved the application after a flood of objections, many of which focused on inadequate bus services.

But the recent revival of the 45-acre plan also faced resistance over infrastructure concerns.

Suzanne Williams objected to Canterbury City Council, writing: “With 350 new houses being built, in addition to those already being built in the adjacent fields, it will surely mean that the village doctors, dentist and school will not be able to cope with the influx of people.

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“I have lived in the village for 40 years and it makes me sad to see what is happening.

“I am not against housing, I just think access and infrastructure are very important and I hope that these issues are not overlooked and that current residents are taken into account.”

Stephen Chandler expressed these thoughts in his objection letter which he published on the council’s planning portal.

“Thanks to planners ignoring our concerns, our once picturesque village has become an overcrowded, traffic-choked nightmare,” he said.

“Given the continued and consistent warnings from local people about these proposals, I would like to know whether the planners will be held accountable and prosecuted for failing to prevent a foreseeable fatal road accident when it inevitably happens.”

AE Estates has implemented changes to the Beltinge Green project, including a redesign of the estate’s layout.

Previously, many, including bus company Stagecoach, thought the plan did not have sufficient bus connections on the outskirts of the city.

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Kitewood’s 180-home development for this part of the site was approved by the council in 2021, while work continues on Taylor Wimpey’s 900-home development.

AE’s latest plans show that it plans to divide areas into smaller plots, creating more open space and limiting the number of high-density areas on the land.

The road layout has been changed, with a previously proposed carriageway to Osborne Gardens rejected in favour of a road linking Beltinge Green to the Kitewood estate.

The main route through the development has also been modified to create a circular route on the eastern side of the site, directly connecting more aspects of the estate.

The space for outdoor sports, including two football fields, has been increased by one and a half hectares.

Around 30% of homes will still be considered affordable, split between 70% rental properties and 30% shared ownership.

There will be homes with one to four bedrooms.

AE says its latest proposals have been amended to provide “something significantly better” than what is currently available in the area.

It said: “This is an excellent opportunity to create a new place that will support future communities and enhance the quality of life on Beltinge Green.

“Beltinge Green will be a place to live with a realistic price tag.

“It is intended that the proposed development, as amended, will be implemented in phases through to 2031.”

No timetable has yet been set for the council’s decision on the application.