An application in April 2000 to build one house on the Tenterden Smallhythe Road site was refused by Ashford Borough Council on 5 June 2000 and turned down on appeal in February 2001. The reasons were a) the site was in the open countryside outside the built confines of the town, b) the adverse affect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the area and c) the effect on the amenities of residents served by the vehicle approach road, particularly in respect of noise and general disturbance.
The Appeal Notice of decision lists a number of Planning Policies, RS2, DP2, EN2 EN9 and HG6 which support the decision to refuse. Yet ABC now want to build 475 houses on the site when there is no local need for them and when the majority of residents in the area strongly oppose such a development.
Another consideration is the impact such a development would have on the nearby Infant and Junior School.
Residents should complain in writing/email to their ABC Ward Councillor, sign the petition of Gill Whittaker, the prospective candidate for Tenterden North, see other comments on this website and add your voice to this debate.
