by Graham Tutthillgtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

A petition has been launched against plans to develop Dover’s Western Heights with homes, a hotel and conference centre.

Hundreds of people signed a petition against the scheme in the town centre on Saturday and English Heritage has now urged district councillors to turn down the proposal.

Local campaigner Lorraine Sencicle organised the petition against the plans by China Gateway International (CGI) with Lara, Susan and Amy Pimblett, Katherine Jefferys and Alexander Dimitri.

In its latest application, CGI wants to build up to 85 homes, a 130-bed hotel and a conference centre at the Western Heights.

The reconstruction of the Victoria Halls would provide nine homes, while the historic Drop Redoubt would become a museum and visitor centre.

Outline permission is also being sought for up to 521 homes, a 90-apartment retirement village and health facility at Great Farthingloe Farm. The thatched barn would become a pub and restaurant, with a stable block becoming a shop and the farmhouse being used for bed and breakfast.

Mrs Sencicle has already pointed out that the Western Heights site is protected as a scheduled ancient monument.

“More than 450 people signed the petition on Saturday, and more signatures are coming in,” she said.

“The general strength of feeling was that neither Western Heights nor Farthingloe should be ruined for more housing and that there are plenty of empty properties and brownfield sites in and around the town."

Meanwhile, English Heritage has described the housing scheme for the Western Heights as damaging.

Planning director Dr Andy Brown said: “We believe that the Western Heights has enormous potential to contribute to the local economy and have pledged to work with Dover District Council and other partners in harnessing this potential.

“However, we are recommending refusal of planning permission for this damaging scheme for houses in the interior of the Western Heights. The openness of the interior is an essential part of the Heights."

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.

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