City councillors have been urged by planning officers to reject a controversial proposal to build 300 homes on green land.

Developers Kitewood Estates Ltd first submitted plans to build Grasmere Gardens in Whitstable - comprising up to 300 homes on 17 hectares of land south of Ridgeway and the John Wilson Business Park - in 2017.

But after council officers said they needed to clarify points in the plans, Kitewood resubmitted its outline bid in August.

It included a full application for the first 140 homes it hopes to build on the site - which is designated as agricultural land - and an outline proposal for up to 160 further properties, along with 3,500sq m of employment facilities, parking, allotments and open space.

The new proposal details plans for vehicles to access the development through Reeves Way, with emergency access available from residential Richmond Road.

The council has received 985 comments opposing the development, during a number of consultation periods since the plans were first put forward.

The long list of issues raised by residents includes concerns over a lack of jobs to support the development, a potential increase in pressure on local schools, and the project’s impact upon air quality and the natural landscape.

“The proposal would fail to provide a safe and suitable access to the site for all users..." Case officer Ceri Williams

Objections were also submitted by Chestfield Parish Council, Grasmere Village Residents’ Association, Save Our Pastures and Chestfield’s Environment and Richmond Road Residents.

Now, city council officers have recommended the planning committee rejects the revised plans.

Case officer Ceri Williams says: “The applicant has failed to demonstrate that sufficient control over the emergency access onto Richmond Road can be obtained to ensure that is it deliverable within a three-year time limit.

“The proposal would fail to provide a safe and suitable access to the site for all users, in particular emergency vehicles, as a result of the inadequate access into the site from Reeves Way.”

She also says developers have failed to secure measures to help reduce the impact Grasmere Gardens would have on the surrounding area.

They say arrangements have not been made to lessen its impact on local transport or help improve sustainable transport modes, or to mitigate the impact on community infrastructure and open space, and local special protection areas.

“The applicant has failed to secure the necessary contributions to mitigate the scheme,” writes Ms Williams. “It is therefore recommended that planning permission be refused.”

The planning committee will vote on whether to approve or refuse the plans at a meeting at the Guildhall in Canterbury at 6.30pm today.

Kitewood Estates Ltd has been approached for comment.