Controversial plans to build up to 400 homes on green space alongside the old Thanet Way have been unanimously approved – but with new strings attached.

Developers this week got the nod for their scheme, which would also see the protected Duncan Down – said to be Britain’s largest village green – effectively doubled in size.

Permission is conditional on the developer having a rethink about possible road links between the new homes and an existing housing estate next-door.

The application had been mired in controversy and prompted a 10,000-strong petition.

But council planning committee members were told on Tuesday that those concerns had been addressed.

Ashley Clark, speaking as secretary of the Friends of Duncan Down Group, urged members to wave the plans through.

“Everyone wants to live somewhere, but few want houses near them,” he said. “We are compelled to take on a tsunami of development.

“We can protest only to be swept away. Or we can take a more pragmatic option of negotiating with developers.

“The latter is the course that we have taken. We end up with the houses, but on the plus side we get open space.”

Duncan Down is protected in its entirety. The new scheme will see the protected open space remain as far as the border with the old Thanet Way.

Trees will be planted and a multi-sport games pitch will be included in the scheme.

All housing will be concentrated to the north-east of the site.

Controversially, the proposals put forward by house builder Devine Homes include a link to St Luke’s Close and the existing housing estate beyond – but for buses only.

On Tuesday local residents pleaded with committee members to consider links for car drivers, too.

Yann Kerbiriou, of the Thanet Way Residents’ Association, said: “I would ask we reconsider the access between this development and St Luke’s Close.

“Currently that area is accessed only from Whitstable side. This would reduce isolation. This would alleviate congestion.

“Traffic congestion in Whitstable is well known. Our suggestion offers the chance to improve it.”

Graham Cox of the Whitstable Society agreed.

“It’s absolutely critical for the Grimshill estate to the north of the development to gain access to the Thanet Way,” he said. “They have to [currently] go right into Whitstable, then go round again.”

Council officers suggested that the idea of a traffic link had been explored but that
highways officials had indicated Saddleton Road would be unable to take extra traffic using the link to cut into the town centre.

However, committee members overwhelmingly agreed the idea should be re-examined with conditions attached.

Cllr Nick Eden-Green said: “What we must avoid at all costs is the potential for this to become a gated community.

“Permeability is the key note. To force traffic on a circuitous route is madness.”