Members of Walmer Parish Council’s planning committee have unanimously objected to the proposed housing development in Station Road.

The plan to build 226 homes, including 67 affordable units, together with parking, landscaping, open space and works, was rejected at a committee meeting at St Saviour’s Church on Tuesday, May 13.

The monthly meetings are usually held at Walmer Parish Hall in Dover Road, but the venue was changed to accommodate the large number of people.

More than 100 residents attended and discussed in great detail all the plans which were included in housing developer Taylor Wimpey’s proposed application.

Chairman Cllr Clive Grant said: “The extensive turnout of Walmer residents at the meeting revealed a united front.

“Walmer residents had the chance to air their views on proposals which could impact their day-to-day lives and objected to the application.”

Parish councillors came to a unanimous decision and the application was recommended for refusal following concerns over flooding, congestion on the A258, emergency access along Mayers Road and the validity of the traffic assessment report.

Dot Hardy, 73, who lives in Reading Close near the proposed development said: “I feel sad about it.

“I do worry. If I want to see my doctor now, it takes 10 days to get an appointment, and I worry about all the other amenities.

“I worry about the access. It’s difficult to turn out of Station Road on to Dover Road as it is.”

Sylvia Brown, 81, of Station Road, has lived directly opposite the proposed plot since 1967.

She agreed: “The top of the road is hell to get out of.”

She added: “I love the field and the windmill.

“When we moved here, they said we’d have the field for 10 years, so we’ve been very lucky.”

Her son Andy Brown, 57, lives next door. After moving away, he returned to Deal 20 years ago and chose his house because he loves the view.

“I lived next door for 15 years. I had the front bedroom and I always loved the view,” he said.

“They need to give Sholden a chance to see what it does to the town before they start on another development.”

The plans are due to go before the district council on June 5, when a final decision will be made.