A developer whose housing application has more than 350 objections has reduced its proposal by two homes.

Fernham Homes has now applied to Dover District Council to build 44 properties - 14 of which would be affordable homes - on land at Archers Low Farm in Sandwich.

The application first submitted in March 2021 had initially been for 56 homes and then 46. The homes range from one to five bedrooms in size.

The plot in Sandown Road has been identified by the council as suitable for residential development of 40 units in its Local Plan.

But an overwhelming number of residents are against the scheme, including Sandwich Town Council.

The concerns are based on the increase in traffic close to Sir Roger Manwood's secondary school and the visual impact on a 'sensitive landscape'.

There are also worries about the lack of parking, pressure on drainage and the destruction of trees.

Hugh Verrier said: "My main concern is regarding the provision of adequate parking space on the development leading to unsafe parking on St George's and Sandown Roads which is already an issue on most school days."

Jeremy Salt said: "Sandown Road between St George's Road corner is effectively reduced to a single lane due to car parking for most of the stretch. At the times that parents drop off their children for Sir Roger Manwood's School this makes traffic especially heavy and dangerous.

"The proposed development will increase this traffic issue and the potential impact on local residents."

Jacqueline Watson feels passionately about the removal of mature trees.

She said: "Planting 'semi-mature and advanced nursery stock' cannot replicate the environment of woodland that is probably hundreds of years old."

"Planting 'semi-mature and advanced nursery stock' cannot replicate the environment of woodland that is probably hundreds of years old..."

Janette Judd writes: "The entrance to the proposed site has been prone to flooding for decades.

"The addition of roadways, houses and parking spaces can only make the situation worse."

A remarkable 291 objections had been lodged by December 30 with 60 more submitted in the last 10 days.

Cllr Dan Friend, Sandwich ward member for Dover District Council, told KentOnline: "Despite the proposed reduction, my opinion has not changed.

"This parcel of land is integral to the unspoilt countryside that wraps around this part of Sandwich. Any development would be an unwarranted intrusion and to the detriment of the sensitive landscape setting of Sandwich."

Five people are in support.

Chris Loughead, development director, has stressed that a 'very small area of tree belt' is proposed for removal but the firm would dedicate new woodland covering 0.36 acres, which would be four times the area lost.

The woodland would also be managed and create a public walking route, and there would be Section 106 contributions towards schools and doctor's surgeries.

In a statement, he added: "Fernham Homes approach all planning applications in a collaborative manner and the changes made during the life of the planning application continue to demonstrate this commitment by working to collaboratively resolve statutory consultee comments on the proposals to deliver a high quality development.

"The planning application is supported by a number of technical reports in respect of highway impact, flood risk, landscape visual impact, ecology and arboriculture.

"The required statutory consultees have been consulted as part of the planning application process and they raise no objection to the proposals put forward."

Find our more about the plans by searching 21/00274 on the council's Planning Portal.