Plans for a new estate with 71 homes have divided villagers, with some calling for much-needed housing while others fear overdevelopment.

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

Out of the 71 houses, 22 are proposed to be affordable.

Some already living in Wingham, between Dover and Canterbury, have welcomed news of the development, saying it is needed so that 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.

“This financial loss will further add to the burden faced by current residents, at a time where we already face severe economic and inflationary challenges.”

“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.

“We are generally opposed to building on green field sites,” continued the part-time gardener.

“There’s wildlife that live here, egrets and beavers and I worry about them being disturbed.”

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

The bid, put forward by developer Dandara, will be considered at a meeting tonight (Thursday), and planning officers have recommended the scheme for the council’s approval.

Documents show that if their scheme is approved, developers would pay the local authority close £1 million to support local schools, social care and NHS services.

The report also addresses the traffic implications, highlighting the A257/B2046 High Street junction, as the one likely to be most affected by the development.

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

A statment 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.”

Also at tonight’s meeting, councillors will consider granting outline planning permission for two other housing schemes in Whitfield and East Langdon.

The Whitfield project off Archers Court Road would include 38 houses while the one in East Langdon, off The Street, looks to deliver 40. Both are recommended for approval.