Councillors unanimously approved plans for 71 new village homes – despite fears of overdevelopment and harm to wildlife.

The project in Wingham – which will also include open spaces and a children’s playground – is planned for farmland the size of five football pitches to the north of Staple Road.

Speaking at Dover District Council’s latest planning committee, Cllr James Back (Con) praised the developer’s plan for 22 of the new houses to be affordable and available in the first instance for rent and joint ownership for local people.

“We never get this – shared ownership and locals first,” he said. “I have to applaud that, so I’m happy to go ahead with it.”

Labour councillor Helen Williams added: “I’m delighted about these local letting arrangements.”

All 10 councillors present at the meeting last Thursday voted in favour of the scheme.

Prior to the crunch talks, those living in Wingham, between Dover and Canterbury, welcomed the Staple Road bid by developer Dandara, saying it is needed so local people can remain in the village.

Long-time resident Jane Theoff says housing market pressures in the area forced her family to move from their home.

“We are in private renting but have already had to find somewhere else to live just last year as the landlord wanted to sell,” said Mrs Theoff, commenting publicly on the council’s planning website.

“Luckily we found somewhere else to live in Wingham but have already had our rent increased after just 12 months.

“We need more affordable housing for local people before we get completely priced out of the village we love.”

Frank Emerson and his family have lived next to the proposed scheme, to be known as the ‘Footpath Field’ project, for two years.

He says without affordable housing in new-build schemes, it is “highly unlikely” he and his partner would have been able to afford the house they currently live in.

“We have a vested interest in it not happening because it would create more traffic and ruin the view, but I am aware that there’s housing needs here,” said the father-of-one.

“This house was built as an affordable house not too long ago. If we hadn’t got in here it’s highly unlikely we would have been able to buy a place here.”

But Mr Emerson, 37, says that while he has faced some difficulty in finding doctor’s appointments and school places, it has not been too bad.

“These are problems we already have - having a few dozen extra houses won’t make the world of difference either way.”

But other locals feel quite the opposite.

“Building at this capacity will lead to decreased demand and, consequently, reduced property values for existing homeowners,” complained Grace Hobson.

“It just seems too big and too much,” said Dr Christopher Young, who has lived in a house near the field since the 1980s.

“The road here is already very busy with lorries - another 71 homes means another 100 cars and probably another 100 children, and where are they going to go to school? “

Sarah Cox, who has also lived nearby for decades added: “These roads are already diabolical as it is, they simply could not cope with more cars from these houses.”

The 65-year-old also raised concerns about the effects the project would have on animals who live in the field.

In total, 45 objection were submitted to the council over the plans, as well as two comments in support.

Documents show as a result of the project, developers would pay the local authority close £1 million to support local schools, social care and NHS services.

Dandara says it aims to grow the village “in a sensitive way” and that the scheme will actually benefit biodiversity in the area.

A statement said: “These spaces will be semi-natural in character featuring retained, enhanced and new areas of tree planting, scrub and wildflower meadows.

“Whilst designed with people in mind, the landscape strategy will provide significant benefits for wildlife and biodiversity.

“Through the retention, enhancement and creation of new habitats, it is anticipated that around 20% biodiversity net gain of habitat units can be achieved along with over 60% of hedgerow units.”

The committee also approved an outline proposal for a 40-home development on land off the Street in East Langdon, but snubbed plans for 38 new houses on land to the rear of Archers Court Road in Whitfield.