New plans to develop prime farmland close to a precious wildlife habitat in Thanet have sparked fury among concerned nature lovers.

It comes after developers revealed they are eyeing up a site for a housing estate west of Pegwell village near Ramsgate.

Flyers have been posted inviting residents to a public meeting next week where more details of the scheme will be released.

Fernham Homes has yet to submit a planning application but is proposing building on two adjoining plots of farmland off Pegwell Road and behind Chilton Primary School.

But the prospect has set alarm bells ringing among members of the Pegwell and District Association who say it will desecrate prime farmland and threaten the Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve.

Writing on the association’s website, the chairman Richard Kinzler fears one of the UK’s most valuable and rare habitats is now under threat.

“Yet developers are proposing the destruction of A1 farmland right next to this internationally recognized conservation area,” he says.

“The ancient hedgerows in the area, which support wildlife and act as natural corridors for species, are at risk. These irreplaceable landscapes are key to maintaining biodiversity and the ecological health of our region.

“If the developers succeed, the disturbance caused by building so close to this delicate ecosystem could endanger wildlife, particularly the migratory birds that rely on the area. Our green spaces in Thanet are already dwindling and enough is enough!”

In its promotional poster, Fernham Homes says it wants to “engage” with residents over the site which it believes is suitable for development.

It adds: “We understand the common concerns associated with new development. The aim of the event is to understand what you as a resident would like to see as part of any proposals on the site.

“Fernham Homes would like to work collaboratively with the community with the goal of creating a proposal we can all be proud of.”

The public meeting - described as an “informal drop-in” - is being held between 3pm and 6pm on Tuesday, September 10 at the St Laurence Parish Hall in High Street, St Laurence in Ramsgate.

A spokesman for Thanet District Council said the site is not currently allocated in the existing Local Plan for development.

But it has subsequently been submitted by planning agents on behalf of the landowner for consideration in a new Local Plan.

They add: “The council will assess the suitability of all the new sites submitted as part of the local plan process, which includes a detailed statutory public consultation.

“Draft proposals for the new plan are not currently expected to be submitted for external examination until September 2027.

”The council will always consider the impact on landscape, as part of any planning process.”

Fernham Homes did not respond to KentOnline’s request for comment.