A controversial 4,000-home garden city in Canterbury has been approved - despite fears of “monstrous” traffic and road changes.

Mountfield Park, which is earmarked for land to the south of the city, has been hit with hundreds of objections from locals, a High Court battle and lengthy delays.

But yesterday evening the scheme was finally given the green light by the city council’s planning committee, after officers argued it would contribute to “sustainable economic development” in the city.

This came after a number of residents told members they felt their concerns had been ignored.

Stephen Peckham, of the Alliance of Canterbury Residents’ Associations, said: “Over the last decade residents have been largely ignored and there has been no attempt to engage with us.”

He added: “For local people at the moment this is not a good development.”

In all, the application has received 210 objections from residents, parish councils and community groups.

Many of them cite the loss of rural and agricultural land, the impact it will have on the “identity” of Bridge village, the development being out of character with the area, and fears of urban sprawl.

Alan Atkinson, chair of Bridge Parish Council, described the road changes and congestion which could result from the development as “monstrous.”

He added: “The road system that is presented is not sensible.

“You really have to protect us from this road scheme.”

Speaking during the meeting, Cllr Nick Eden-Green (Lib Dem) raised concerns about the road and traffic changes would make access to Kent and Canterbury Hospital significantly harder.

It would require “an absolute nonsense of a route,” he said.

The 550-acre plot is set to have two primary schools, offices, community spaces, sports facilities and a health centre.

As part of the project, the New Dover Road park and ride will be relocated and enlarged from 600 to 1,000 spaces.

It will be situated next to new A2 junctions, which also form part of the development.

Ahead of the meeting, council officers recommended the committee approve the project, as they argued it would “have a significant positive impact upon the district’s economy”.

They noted the scheme’s “public benefits” include “contributions towards community infrastructure - such as two new schools and medical facilities - as well as highways improvements of importance to the district”.

“It will also deliver a significant proportion of the council’s five-year housing land supply,” the officers added.

“The proposal would represent a highly sustainable form of development and the public benefits would outweigh any identified harm.”

Tim Leathes, a director developer Corinthian Land, said the project would be a “once in a generation opportunity to expand Canterbury.”

“We’re looking forward very much to working with the council and the residents of Canterbury to bring forward something wonderful, and we’re looking forward to long-term, productive engagement,” he added.

Corinthian Land drew particular criticism over its plans for sewage and wastewater management.

Worries centred on the developer’s proposals to install an on-site sewage treatment works after the first 150 homes are constructed.

But before that point, wastewater will be carried through pipes and diverted to a holding tank prior to being transported away by trucks. Two tanker loads of sewage will be ferried out of the estate each day.

Labour councillor Connie Nolan had previously described the plans as “in essence, a giant cesspit”.

However, chair of the committee Cllr Neil Baker (Con), assured members that would not be a permanent solution.

Nine councillors voted to approve, while two objected and one abstained.

The approval of the plans gives Corinthian full permission for the first 140 homes - while the remainder have received “outline” approval, meaning they’ll be subject to further applications.

The council planning committee voted to include an additional condition, that a planning sub-committee must meet every six months to monitor the development - including meeting with affected local residents. It will begin meeting within six months of next May’s council elections.