Work on a controversial housing development will start next year, after an almost decade-long battle to get the £40 million project off the ground.

A bid to construct 85 homes on Blean Common, near Canterbury, has been “a huge issue” hanging over residents ever since it was first submitted in 2015.

It led to lengthy delays, with the government only finally giving the go-ahead for the overhaul of farmland behind the Royal Oak pub last year.

Originally a Gladmans Developments scheme, Fernham Homes bought the site in September and hopes to see work begin next summer.

The first homes should be ready for occupation by spring 2026 with papers submitted to Canterbury City Council (CCC) finalising technical aspects of the project.

Sean Ellis, the firm’s managing director, told KentOnline: “We’re pleased to have submitted a reserved matters planning application within just two months of acquiring the site.

“This will provide much-needed housing - including 26 affordable homes.

“It will also bring new public open space, including play equipment, provide £1.5 million in community infrastructure contributions and an additional £229,000 in financial contributions for public right-of-way upgrades, local highway network improvements, sports provision and management of protected natural areas.

“At Fernham Homes we understand the importance of delivering much-needed new private and affordable homes at pace, and we remain committed to using a local workforce and suppliers to deliver another exciting collection of high-quality new homes.”

Residents previously raised concerns over traffic and drainage, with the estate bordering the A290 and coming at a time when the Stodmarsh water quality issues continue to hold up major projects.

Parish council chairman Phil Hutt, who has lived in Blean for 23 years, said: “There is obviously an existing traffic issue through Blean.

“It’s a pretty fast road from Canterbury to Whitstable and this is going to put a lot more traffic onto that road.

“And the drainage is a big local issue. Even now there are places that flood in Blean when there’s heavy rain and I don’t think this is going to make it any better.”

The original Gladman scheme was rejected by CCC in February 2016, before being referred to the Planning Inspectorate which recommended the proposals be approved.

The city council then fought the Inspectorate in a High Court battle, leading to the Court of Appeal ruling the Inspectorate had to redo its inquiry.

That was carried out in February and March 2023, with the authority announcing in April that year that planning permission would be granted.