Additional reporting by Gabriel Morris

Divisive plans for more than 200 homes on the outskirts of a town have been approved, after they appeared in front of councillors for the fourth time.

Concerned residents say the scheme will destroy a “unique” setting and the proposed estate off Old Thanet Way, Whitstable, has been designed with only commuters in mind, but it was given the green light this week, amid a “crisis” in the district’s housing supply.

It is the latest development in the project’s now-lengthy history, which saw it originally approved two years ago, before being brought back to the committee, as Canterbury City Council (CCC) continues to grapple with building targets.

Firm Catesby Estates plans to create 220 homes, a shop and a park-and-ride with spaces for 300 cars on fields a mile-and-a-half from the town centre. It says residents will benefit from a new bus route to the train station, and the houses will be among the most environmentally friendly in the area.

And refuting claims the homes will only be for commuters, Catesby says two thirds are earmarked for affordable or social rent and a quarter reserved for first-time buyers.

However, this appears to have done little to reassure objectors.

Speaking at the CCC planning committee meeting on Tuesday, Whitstable resident Moi Poulter spoke of the “stunning view” from the fields, which overlook the coast.

She said: “I hope you have all by now visited the site and walked up to the top of the hill, and seen the amazing views across Whitstable and the Thames Estuary and inland to the Blean.”

“I hope you fully understand what a unique place will be destroyed if this application is approved.”

Patricia Prestage argued the Old Thanet Way nearby will become even more busy.

She said: “At present just trying to cross the Old Thanet Way which is four lanes wide or at the roundabout risks your life.

“If built most of the residents on this estate as with the others will use their cars – these properties are not near enough to the town or the station.”

Townsfolk have also argued that local schools and GP services are oversubscribed and would not be able to cope with more residents.

The application was approved in 2023 when the council had to favour development after failing to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and was delivering less than 75% of its target, a position known as “in presumption.”

But this was lifted last year so Benacre View was brought back to the planning committee, where a decision was deferred.

It then came before councillors a third time earlier this year, in January, but the final call was pushed back once again, amid concerns about the park and ride service, which would travel back and forth between Whitstable, becoming a “white elephant”.

A month earlier the council was placed in presumption once more, and this continues to be the case, as the government revised and increased the authority’s housing targets.

CCC officers recommended the plans be approved at Wednesday’s meeting. A report prepared beforehand said that if the park and ride service doesn’t materialise, then the area earmarked for the car park could be used for more housing.

Committee member cllr Ian Stockley praised the scheme, but raised concerns about the location.

He said: “I like this development, I like the properties, I like the fact it’s been well thought out and working towards carbon neutral it’s just in the wrong place.”

Cllr Mike Bland (Lab) said: “There’s an issue about us being able to provide housing for those who rightly deserve a family home like the rest of us enjoy.”

“We’re in presumption because we’re not performing well in terms of providing houses that families and individuals need,” he added.

Simon Thomas, the council’s head of planning also stressed the need to build more homes.

He told members: “Government is saying we need to deliver housing.

“We haven’t done enough and we’re in a situation where the housing supply is low, there’s a crisis in effect.”

CCC will provide £500,000 for a new bus service to serve this development, and the existing Whitstable Heights estate nearby.

Members voted to approve the plans, with six votes in favour, two against and four abstentions.

Specific designs for the layout and design of the homes will be dealt with through further planning applications in the future.