Developers hoping to build 400 homes on the city’s outskirts could start construction work as early as next summer.

Bosses at Quinn Estates gave a first glimpse of their development this week after submitting an outline application for land off Cockering Road in Thanington.

But the plans have already been met with criticism by parish councillors, who fear the scheme will cause “gridlock” on the congested A28.

“We would like to start building homes next summer,” developer Mark Quinn said.

“It is a stunning scheme and the last thing I want to do is create something which is detrimental – I want to create improvement.

“It should go forward pretty smoothly and it will be a very low-density development with lots of green space.”

The prolific local house-builder is proposing major alterations in a bid to combat the extra traffic his latest housing scheme will bring.

He says his company will pump more than £2.5m into road improvements, and is looking to replace the congested Wincheap roundabout with traffic lights alongside a new gyratory system.

"It is a stunning scheme..." - Mark Quinn

Mr Quinn, who is involved in a separate 750-home development in Thanington, said: “We will overcome the additional traffic with millions of pounds worth of improvements.

“We have got another meeting with Kent County Council and other stakeholders, including the parish council, to go through what they want us to fund.

“We have already done our studies, but we need the expert consultants at KCC to be happy.

“It is not down to us, but we will pay for it.”

Mr Quinn’s proposal includes a new community building or leisure centre, as well as a new spine road through the development connecting the A28 via Cockering Road.

But members of Thanington parish council fear the scheme will increase congestion issues in the city.

“I think it is going to add to the traffic problems we already have – and anymore traffic will cause gridlock,” parish clerk Roger Cheeseworth said.

“It will also add to pollution levels which will go through the roof with these new homes.

“I do not think traffic lights at Wincheap roundabout will work as it is yet to be proven.”

A public consultation on the plans closes on Friday, April 14. Visit www.canterbury.gov.uk/planning and search for CA//17/00519.