Plans for a 53-home estate branded a “recipe for disaster” by villagers have cleared the first hurdle.

An outline planning application for the new-builds on a now-cleared orchard in New Street, Ash, near Sandwich, has been approved by members of Dover District Council’s (DDC) planning committee.

The scheme will see a number of buildings owned by J.R Cowen Ltd, which went into insolvency in April 2021, demolished to make way for the homes.

In planning documents, the developer, Canterbury-based Taylor Roberts Ltd, described the scheme as “a high-quality development which will enhance and contribute to the character of the local area”.

Prior to the decision, 19 objections had been submitted to the authority, with residents raising concerns that it could turn the surrounding area into a “rat-run”.

Respondents also feared damage to wildlife in the orchard – including the vulnerable turtle dove – due to the clearing of the land.

Resident Pearl Thorne said: “I strongly object to the annihilation of this old traditional orchard, an ecologically rich habitat known as a breeding site for the rare turtle dove, other red-listed species, birds and mammals.

“I find it astounding that the ecologists' report admits to the clearance of this old traditional orchard before their report was done.”

Derek Reeves described the plans as “very poorly thought through”, adding: “Having an access at 52 New Street is a recipe for disaster.

“New Street was never designed to have a flow of traffic.

“How do the developers think a fair volume of traffic is going to travel if turning left towards Marshborough through narrow winding lanes?”

Others said Ash has a disproportionate amount of the district's housing target.

Resident Gary Wilson explained on the council’s planning portal: “The proposed New Street entrance will likely become a rat-run used by residents and non-residents increasing the traffic flowing along New Street, into the centre of the village and narrow country lanes causing even more congestion.”

One letter had been submitted in support, adding that the application would provide more housing.

At the planning meeting, members gave approval in principle and the vote of nine to one was agreed on condition that the eventual detailed application would be decided by councillors rather than officers.

Members felt they needed to learn more about the application and wanted closer coordination on it between the area’s three landowners.

Ward member Martin Porter was concerned there would not be enough protection for wildlife particularly as the area had rare turtle doves.

He commented: “This is Ash village, not the centre of Dover.”

The site forms part of a wider housing allocation for nearly 100 homes for Ash.

The planning officers’ report to councillors said: “The proposal would allow for the development of new homes in a sustainable location, including a policy compliant level of affordable homes.

“There would be economic benefits provided by the development at construction stage and when built, by providing new homes which in turn would provide support for village services and amenities.”