A housebuilding giant’s plans to build hundreds of homes next to a village’s graveyard are pressing ahead.

Applicants David Wilson Homes previously faced a fierce public backlash after unveiling proposals for 214 houses in Minster, near Ramsgate.

But the developer – which is owned by Barratt Developments – was this week granted permission to lay out its first phase of homes on farmland next to Minster Cemetery.

Thanet District Council planning chiefs waved through the company’s outline permission in 2021 - despite receiving 49 objections from residents.

On Wednesday, the council’s planning committee ratified the firm’s latest proposals to start work on the first 133 homes, on land north of the village.

Fearing the loss of a popular bridleway, Michelle Bromwell said in a letter the route is “one of the few areas in Minster that hasn't been gentrified by development”.

“It has been neglected by Kent County Council but it is a natural habitat for wildlife which sadly Minster is losing rapidly,” she added.

“I have walked this route over many years, it should be left alone and not turned into a pathway, which will inevitably end up as a racetrack for moped and electric scooters.”

A planning officer told Wednesday’s committee there was a “strong objection from residents and the parish council” to the resurfacing of the “ancient” public footpath.

However, the committee heard DWH has since scrapped plans to resurface the route.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Mike Garner (Green) expressed fears over surrounding flooding and water supply.

He stressed Southern Water previously announced “additional flows (from the estate) may lead to an increased risk of flooding from the sewer network”.

“I don’t need to reiterate the issues we have around here with Southern Water’s sewerage, we’re all very familiar with that and there isn’t any way this is going to have anything other than an adverse impact on the issues that we have,” he continued.

Cllr Rebecca Wing (Green) was also critical of the development.

“I always have to have a little chuckle when I hear the term ecological enhancements to what once was Grade-A farmland, it makes me quite sad actually but that is out of our hands,” she told the committee.

Cllr Wing also asked how many homes are currently in Minster, “because I’d like to know”.

She said “133 houses in one big lump and a number to follow probably represents a significant percentage increase in the number of dwellings in the village”.

Cllr Reece Pugh (Con), who represents the area, told members: “I’m very glad to hear that changes will not be made to the bridleway and that it won’t be filled in.”

He subsequently said he would be happy to see the scheme pass.

“I think it’s a bit of the horse before the cart to say build it and we’ll stop anybody living in it until the issues are dealt with...”

Cllr Abi Smith (Green) added: “It is very important that the character and history of the bridleway is retained.”

Amy Tamplin, who works for David Wilson Homes, attended the meeting to encourage members to get behind the plans.

“Initial concerns were raised by councillors and the housing officer in regard to the affordable housing mix,” she said.

“However I can confirm that the proposal is policy compliant, and following discussions with both the planning and housing officers, additional one-bedroom apartments have been added and confirmation has been sought that the current mix addresses local need.”

Documents lodged by the developer details how 40 of the 133 homes in the first phase will be affordable - with 14 three-bedroom homes, 20 two-bedroom homes and six one-bedroom homes.

“Overall the application provides much needed homes within a sustainable location in the district,” Ms Tamplin added.

A planning officer told members that as part of the development’s conditions, none of the homes will be lived in until Southern Water enhances the local infrastructure to cope with more usage.

“I think it’s a bit of the horse before the cart to say build it and we’ll stop anybody living in it until the issues are dealt with.

“I’m not sure any of us would be doing that with our own properties, we’d be solving the problem first,” Cllr Wing argued.

Cllr Jill Bayford, however, was more supportive, saying: “Personally I feel that this is an excellent mix of units including affordable housing. The landscaping is extensive, we have parking, gardens, I personally welcome 133 dwellings which were very much needed.”

TDC’s planning committee voted to back the application with 12 in favour, one against, and one abstention.