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countryside that could be affected by the development

Plans for a new housing scheme in Ashford
will finally go out for public consultation next week.

The controversial Chilmington Green development could see
up to 5,750 homes built at the hamlet.

Other aspects of the proposal include a park, a secondary
school, up to four primary schools, a high street and
shops.

Concerns have already been raised by
Ashford Independent leader Cllr Peter Davison, who does not feel
the plans for the huge development are justified.

"I personally don't feel the case for this development has
been proven," he said. "I feel this document really won't address a
long list of reasons why the development shouldn't go ahead. We
have already built 15,000 houses. There's no immediate local
need."

At a special cabinet meeting held recently to decide on
the consultation, he called for the plan to be deferred, but
other councillors argued it would enhance the area and it was time
for the public to view the plans.

Deputy council leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) said:
"People of Chilmington Green in the long term can feel confident
that the area and community is being enhanced. They can gain and
their property values will be heightened by the prospect of having
a park and other things there."

Planning agent Bob Sellwood, speaking on behalf of the
Chilmington Green developer consortium, said the project would
benefit the economy as well as meeting housing needs.

"It is important to recognise that Chilmington Green is
not just an issue of new homes," he said. "It is a significant
economic generator in its own right."

He said it would generate 1,195 on site jobs and 1,350
jobs in the town as a whole, as well as resulting in £330 million
of retail expenditure to support the town centre. A further £41.3
million will be injected to spend on infrastructure.

He added that the government expected housing land to be
"boosted significantly" nationally. He said the National Planning
Policy Framework, published last week, indicated that local
authorities were expected to take responsibility for meeting the
housing needs of their areas.

Mr Sellwood also said South East Water confirmed
it could meet the water demands of the development.

Council leader Cllr Peter Wood (Con) concluded: "If
Chilmington does go ahead it isn't just for Christmas, it's for
life. It's 20 to 30 years. We have a duty to help the residents and
to help shape it."

and during opening hours at the Ashford Gateway Plus, Ashford
Borough Council, Singleton Environment Centre, Charing Library,
Tenterden Gateway and Wye Library.onlineCopies of the plans will be available for inspection
from Monday until June 11 both