A developer hopes to build around 1,000 new homes on land close to a country park.

Quinn Estates says around 975 properties could be delivered in two decades at Cottington Park in Betteshanger near Deal.

Earlier this summer Dover District Council (DDC) granted the firm permission to erect 210 homes as part of a mixed-use development at the former Betteshanger Colliery site.

The news was met with disappointment by members of environmental pressure group Friends of Betteshanger.

Opponents of the plans fear construction could harm wildlife at the brownfield site, which has been re-wilded in the decades since the mine was closed in 1989.

While no formal planning application has yet been submitted, Quinn Estates has revealed artist's impressions of the proposed Cottington Park scheme and announced a raft of infrastructure which it says could support the new community.

This includes a new two-form entry primary school, a park-and-ride with electric buses linking to Deal railway station and other improvements to local roads.

There is also the promise of expanding the nearby country park to include Cottington Lakes, and the potential for on-site sporting facilities for football and rugby.

A spokesman for Quinn Estates said: "Cottington Park has been designed from the outset with a clear identity - a huge addition to the managed green space in Deal to create a combined area of land of over 400-acres which includes Betteshanger Country Park and 188-acres of newly managed green space.

"This will effectively create a new green lung for Deal. With 20 trees proposed to be planted for each house, amongst other biodiversity enhancements, the result is a huge increase in the amount of woodland locally, providing havens for wildlife."

In addition to the new homes, the proposal include new sports facilities for Deal and Betteshanger Rugby Club as part of an 18-acre sports hub and funding for an upgraded pitch and improvements to Deal Town Football Club’s existing ground.

There is also a new facility for Dover Outreach to support vulnerable people in the district with training and services to help them back into work and society.

Matthew Curd, club chairman, Deal and Betteshanger RFC chairman said: “A new clubhouse and state-of-the-art pitches would strengthen our community engagement, financial standing and playing strength.”

The developers said Cottington Park had been designed using low and zero carbon technologies, including battery storage. Drainage will be served by an independent system managed by Severn Trent.

Ben Geering, development director, said: “Covid has changed the future. With Cottington Park we collectively have an opportunity to respond immediately with a new vision that is greener, happier, healthier, more equal, productive and less polluted. With exceptional design, planning and the skillsets of all stakeholders we can create a bright rural-urban future.”

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