‘Someone could be killed’: villagers react to proposal for new houses

Residents have expressed their anger over a property developer’s plan to build new homes in a village. They claim that “someone is going to get killed.”

Esquire Developments has unveiled plans to build 17 mixed-use homes in the heart of Wingham, near Canterbury.

If approved, the homes will be built on land north of Gobery Hill in Wingham
If approved, the homes would be built on land north of Gobery Hill in Wingham

But the company’s plans submitted to Dover City Council have sparked a strong response from 105 objections, many of which concern a potentially dangerous intersection.

Anne Ethell objects to Esquire’s access route at Gobery Hill, saying: ‘Anyone can see that putting in a junction is ridiculous.

“I wouldn’t want my grandchildren crossing there. If you encourage people to cross there, someone will get killed.”

Gemma Porter added: “The access road to the proposed homes is on a high traffic road and would create a dangerous intersection.”

Esquire emphasizes that the 1.3-hectare estate will create “an exciting opportunity” while increasing housing stock.

The company hopes to build twelve private homes, eight of which will have three bedrooms and the rest will have four.

There will also be two social rental homes, one affordable home and two starter homes with 39 parking spaces.

The Longfield-based company says in planning documents: “The intention of the development is to create an integrated and well-designed community that contributes positively to the housing and land supply mix in the local area.

Residents of Wingham are concerned about traffic congestion in the village. Image: GoogleResidents of Wingham are concerned about traffic congestion in the village.  Photo: Google
Residents of Wingham are concerned about traffic congestion in the village. Photo: Google

“This mix in favor of smaller unit types is suitable for starters and younger families who want to stay in the village.

“From the outset, particular care and attention has been given to the location of the nearby buildings and the preservation of Wingham’s rural environment.

“They represent an exciting opportunity to deliver a new and well-designed addition to Wingham, benefiting the wider neighborhood and sustaining an important local amenity [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.

Planning chiefs then highlighted the safety issues for pedestrians at the junction with Gobery Hill and Preston Hill.

But the plan would not be officially scrapped until May 2022, when the Planning Inspectorate rejected Leath’s appeal after a protracted dispute.

A CGI and bird's eye view of what the proposed development could look like.  Image: about architectureA CGI and bird's eye view of what the proposed development could look like.  Image: about architecture
A CGI and bird’s eye view of what the proposed development could look like. Photo: On Architecture
The project has been proposed for land north of Gobery Hill in Wingham.  Photo: Op ArchitectureThe project has been proposed for land north of Gobery Hill in Wingham.  Photo: Op Architecture
The project is proposed for land north of Gobery Hill in Wingham. Photo: On Architecture

Esquire states that the revised application will see the provision of ‘pedestrian crossings’, including one next to the priority line in Preston Hill.

The proposed works also include narrowing a section of the intersection to reduce vehicle speeds and improve visibility between drivers and pedestrians.

A crossing should also be created for larger vehicles using the intersection.

Esquire Developments and On Architecture are behind the plans for the project.  Image: about architectureEsquire Developments and On Architecture are behind the plans for the project. Image: On Architecture
Esquire Developments and On Architecture are behind the plans for the project. Photo: On Architecture
A separate application for 71 homes in Wingham was approved back in February this yearA separate application for 71 homes in Wingham was approved in February this year
A separate application for 71 homes in Wingham was approved back in February this year

But more than 100 objectors believe the project should be rejected again due to safety concerns.

Some express concern about the rapid expansion of the village, which in 2021 had a population of less than 2,000.

“There are numerous houses for sale in the village that have been on the market for many, many months,” wrote Ms. Bettina Braun.

“There is no need for more expensive homes that local people and our young people cannot afford – even so-called affordable homes are not affordable for local people.

“There is a development of 70 houses that has been granted planning permission, including a mix of houses and affordable housing specifically for local people, which better suits local needs.

A CGI shows what the 71 houses earmarked for Wingham could look likeA CGI shows what the 71 houses earmarked for Wingham could look like
A CGI shows what the 71 houses earmarked for Wingham could look like

“So there is no need for more houses now.”

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Developers added that the reason for the increase in the number of proposed homes from 15 to 17 is due to the fact that the latter 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 approval was given despite residents’ fears of overdevelopment and damage to wildlife.

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