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Controversial plans for a sprawling housing estate that would see a village’s population rise threefold are back on the table.
The proposals to build a 2,500-home development, dubbed Foxchurch, on farmland off Sheppey Way in Bobbing have been resubmitted to Swale council despite village opposition.
Formerly called Bobbing Garden Village, the site, near the A249 and A2, would span 488 acres, the size of 305 standard 11-a-side football pitches.
It has been in the works for more than six years, with plans first coming to the surface in 2018.
However, for more than two years, there were no updates as the developers, Catesby Estates and Appin Land & Development, have been amending the scheme after receiving consultation feedback.
The housebuilder says the main concerns were the heritage and open space aspects, sports provisions and highways, which it has now addressed.
Catesby planning director David Morris says the project now includes greater open space near St Bartholomew’s Church, the inclusion of a 125-acre country park and the relocation of the three-form primary school and village centre.
There is also a new 12-acre sports hub.
It will have two artificial football pitches, indoor tennis courts, outdoor tennis, netball, padel and pickleball courts, as well as changing rooms.
Newington Cricket Club is also set to gain a cricket square.
Of the new homes, 875 would be affordable, which is 35% of the scheme.
However, opposition to the plans is strong, with villagers forming Communities Against Bobbing Expansion (CABE) to battle against the development.
Around 25 people have joined the cause since it was formed in January 2023, and it is planning more meetings to rally for the upcoming fight.
Some of the residents point to Bobbing Parish Council’s estimates that the population of 2,900 would increase to almost 13,000, a lack of infrastructure to support that and the loss of farmland as reasons for joining.
One of its members is Cllr Mike Baldock, who also sits on Bobbing Parish Council and Swale council. He has abstained from his role as Swale’s planning committee chairman so he can have his say.
The Swale Independents leader told KentOnline that the infrastructure is already “so far behind” for the housing in the Sittingbourne area that the new homes “will add to the strain".
He said: “The development is between the A2 and A249. Both of them are congested and there is no practical highway solution to accommodate that.
“We have such a shortage in doctors that while they can build a surgery, there’s no guarantee anyone is going to go in it.
“All these developers come forward with promises ‘this will be a great place to live’ but none of it’s true. All we see is traffic chaos, loss of land and pressure on our services.
“If you look around, you will see this beautiful open agricultural land, land we need to feed ourselves.”
Cllr Baldock also does not want to see the “beautiful open” agricultural fields built on.
He added: “How much more of this land are we going to sacrifice in the name of bricks and mortar?”
Parish councillor Peter French, who has lived in the village for around 20 years, is of the same opinion, with the idea of the new homes being built on farmland “hurting” him.
The vice-chairman of Bobbing Parish said: “We are going to lose all these green fields and the food they produce. Where are we going to grow that food?
“It will be heartbreaking to lose this beautiful land. If you have a look at this area, is it this that you want to see, or is it houses?
“The other primary concern is the infrastructure. Of course, there is a need for homes, but this is the wrong place to put this development; it should be built where the infrastructure already is.
“It won’t be beneficial to the area and for residents at all; we haven’t got the doctors, hospitals or the schools.”
However, the developers argue that the plans include the infrastructure needed to support the new residents.
There is a 200-bed care home proposed and a “mixed-use local centre”, which could have space for retailers, a cafe, flexible workspaces, health provision and a nursery.
There would also be a maximum of 15,500 square metres of floor space for mixed commercial use.
The housebuilder also points out that 56% of the land would be “green land” with the country park, village greens and common, sports pitches, playing fields, children’s play areas and community grow spaces.
During construction, 1,700 jobs would be created, and it would represent a £925m investment.
While opponents want to fight the scheme, Swale council would be put under financial strain if the planning committee rejects the proposal and the developers take the case to appeal.
The authority is already embroiled in the 12-week-long Highsted Park inquiry, which could cost as much as £700,000.
Swale’s planning budget is to balloon by more than £1 million to £1.423m for 2025/26. In comparison, for 2024/25 it was £409,000.
However, Cllr Baldock says Swale would be under a “moral obligation to the people of this area” to fight the plans.
He said: “I don’t like to pre-suppose what the councillors will agree, but if the councillors agree with me that this should not go ahead and it goes to appeal, of course we will fight it.
“We have no other choice but to fight to preserve what is fast becoming a fast extinction of our rural areas.”
