The controversial scheme for 249 new homes in Tenterden finally got the go-ahead last night.

After years of discussions, consultations and workshops, councillors took just 45 minutes to unanimously approve the Tent1A plans.

But members of Ashford council’s planning committee raised concerns about traffic implications and stressed the need for a quality design and build of the homes.

Cllr Jill Hutchinson (Con) said: “I hope the wishes of the architect are met. It is an attractive development.”

On traffic, she said: “I have a real concern. If traffic builds up in the High Street, I hope Kent County Council will not leave it weeks before they address it.”

Other councillors questioned traffic implications for Recreation Ground Road, which will be the main access to the development, and the impact of the homes on services like schools and the GP surgery.

There was only one public speaker, the Tent1A architect George Saumarez Smith, who said there had been an extensive public consultation process.

The homes will be built behind High Street, between Recreation Ground Road and Smallhythe Road. The land was earmarked for development in 2010.

A decision on around 200 more homes on another area of the site, known as under Tent1B, is yet to be made.

For full story and reaction, see this week’s Tenterden edition of the Kentish Express, out on Thursday.