Shepherd Neame is behind new plans for 54 homes on a former orchard.

An exhibition is being held tonight (Tuesday) to launch a public consultation before the brewer’s chartered surveyors, Milliken and Company, submit a formal planning application.

If plans are given the go-ahead, it means almost one entire side of the Western Link will be back-to-back with property.

Permission was recently granted for 250 houses at the former Ospringe Brickworks site, right next door to this new site.

Earlier this year, the redundant orchard, which sits on a Roman burial ground, was taken up and this week we can reveal it could make way for 54 homes and a hectare of public open space.

Shepherd Neame spokesman Kathryn Tye said: “This site has been promoted for development on a number of occasions, most recently at the Swale Borough Council local plan examination in public hearing in November.

“There are limited options to meet the short-term need for housing within the Swale borough.

“This may be considered to be a suitable site as it lies between the Western Link Road and the A2, and consequently would provide a natural boundary for Faversham.

“However, we are sensitive to the potential impact on the surrounding conservation area, and so have allowed one hectare of open space within the plot which will allow for substantial tree planting and landscaping.”

The brewery made £7.4m last year from selling off a controversial building plot in Brogdale Road, which has planning permission for 63 homes.

More than 50 objections were lodged and the town and borough council unanimously refused the plans, but, within months, the brewery launched a successful appeal with the government planning inspector.

The appeal report said: “In weighing matters in the balance, it is the appellant’s case that Swale Borough Council’s significant shortfall in its five-year housing land supply weighs heavily in favour of the appeal proposals when all other planning policy and material consideration are taken into account.”

The public exhibition for the new proposal takes place at the Judd’s Folly Hotel, at Syndale Park, tonight from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.

Everyone is welcome and comment forms will be provided.