Plans to build almost 70 houses off Dover Road in Sandwich have been recommended for refusal by Sandwich Town Council.

The plan for 67 homes with garages, access, parking and landscaping on the former Kumor Nursery site in Sandwich was submitted by DHA Planning on behalf of Ms K.K.Putnam to Dover District Council last month.

Already 41 letters of objection and only two in support have been logged with the authority, with concerns over the congested road, poor water pressure and privacy.

Among those worried about the proposals is Kath Gifford, of Stone Cross Lees.

She said: “If a further 67 homes are built on the Kumar Nursery site it is reasonable to assume there will be at least another 60 to 100 cars using this already over-crowded length of highway.

“We suffer with poor water pressure and more homes will only exacerbate the situation.

“There will be increased noise and I will lose the rural view that I have enjoyed for 20 years.”

Another concerned resident, Katie Reeves said: “Current access to any houses on or coming off of Dover Road is extremely poor and restricted.

"Even the postman cannot fit his four-wheeled cart on the pavement and has to walk in the road." - claims resident Keith Neat

“If 67 more households plus services are to share this currently inadequate access accidents may happen and traffic will be even worse.”

Resident Keith Neat says he was once knocked off his bike and hospitalised after an incident in Dover Road.

He blames “road rage” because of the congestion and fears this development would only make it worse.

Another of his concerns is the width of the pavement. He claims: “Even the postman cannot fit his four-wheeled cart on the pavement and has to walk in the road.

“It is difficult to use these narrow pavements when carrying shopping.

“Toddlers from St Bart’s Nursery are transferred between their two sites in Dover Road in buggies which are too wide for the pavement. Some hold three children abreast.

“How long will it be before a child is injured because of the lack of adequate pavements?”

Dr Nigel Cussans said the development would bring more vehicles needing to use the “very constricted and potentially dangerous single access road.”

He believed that Dover District Council should conduct an independent traffic flow survey to ascertain the true measure of the problem, before any further action on the homes plan.

But Ms Cheryl Piper said she supports the application.

She said: “The low turnover of lower cost housing in Sandwich makes it extremely difficult for those currently renting to buy or those in smaller houses looking to move to stay in the area.

“Those that have links to the area will be forced to move. I believe this injection of new builds with help to buy will give young families a chance to put down roots in Sandwich and help balance the increase in age of the population for the future.”

She said she would be keen for traffic issues to be resolved first.

Town councillors’ decision to recommend refusal was unanimous, after listening to pleas from two residents at a recent meeting.

You can submit your views here.