New images show 145-home plan for land in Appledore Road, Tenterden
Published: 10:25, 25 May 2021
Updated: 10:27, 25 May 2021
New computer-generated images have been released as an application for a large housing scheme is submitted.
Wates Developments hopes to secure permission to build 145 homes on land in Appledore Road, Tenterden, alongside football pitches, a community clubhouse and outdoor exercise and play equipment.
The hybrid planning application was lodged on May 13, with an aerial mock-up of the development in context with the town attached.
It shows the vast reduction in houses compared to Wates' original 250-home scheme, which was rejected last year amid an outcry from the town's residents.
The submission also outlines the 21.4-acre country park and habitat area which will be created on agricultural land adjoining the housing site.
A new detail of the scheme is a community orchard which will be planted in the northernmost area of the scheme.
It will feature "a selection of locally appropriate fruit and nut trees, set within species rich grassland" according to a design and access statement.
Beehives, benches and picnic areas will also be included in the orchard.
Five football pitches will be built as part of the scheme - one adult pitch, one for 9v9 junior games, a mini 7v7 pitch and two 5v5 pitches.
The adjoining pavilion has been devised under guidance from the FA, and would meet Kent County League Premier Division standards.
It will feature two team changing rooms, two officials changing rooms, two 12 sq m meeting rooms, a physio and first aid room and a club room.
There would also be spectator toilets, a kitchen and an office included in the building.
With many detractors citing the current biodiversity of the site, and its accessibility as a dog walking route, Wates hopes the full plan will quell fears that these will be lost.
In its design and access statement, the company states: "The proposal has considered carefully the reasons for refusal cited in the determination of the previous application and has made considerable changes via a new design team to respond to the issues raised.
"The scheme creates a network of generous green spaces that form the basis for the development, and in doing so create a tangible connection from the centre of Tenterden to a new country park.
"The development forms a small piece of a considerable new green space offer used for outdoor recreation, formal sport, biodiversity and landscape repair."
Wates also highlighted the affordable housing that will comprise half the scheme - an increase of 10% compared to the rejected former plan.
Currently there is no deadline for comments, which can be made by searching 21/00790/AS on the Ashford Borough Council planning portal.
Read more: All the latest news from Tenterden
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Charlie Harman