Councillors at Swale Borough Council have voted to back the Duchy of Cornwall’s development plans to create a new neighbourhood in Kent.
In a meeting yesterday, the council’s planning committee approved the Duchy’s proposals that pledge to provide up to 2,500 homes, education facilities, green spaces, employment centres, sustainable transport links, and health infrastructure.
The first phase of the South East Faversham project has been granted full planning permission by councillors and will involve the construction of a local centre and 261 new homes, with 35% being delivered as affordable housing.
Construction for the first phase is hoped to begin in 2027/28 following approval, with the committee also granting outline planning permission to the remainder of the scheme.
However, the scheme received 467 objections from neighbouring occupiers during consultation, with concerns expressed about damage to wildlife and agricultural land, as well as increased traffic, insufficient infrastructure, and possible harm to the character of the area.
Sam Kirkness, Executive Director for Development at the Duchy of Cornwall said: ‘We’re delighted that the committee has recommended approval of our new neighbourhood at South East Faversham.
‘This decision brings us closer to unlocking vital new housing to respond directly to Faversham’s acute housing needs, as well as providing the infrastructure, green spaces and community facilities that local people in Faversham deserve.’
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