Two major housing developments in New Romney and Littlestone have been approved by the Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC), despite strong local objections related to flooding, sewage concerns, and fears of disruptive construction.
The first development, a 96-home estate off Ashford Road, New Romney, was granted approval after months of local opposition citing the field’s long history of flooding and concerns about the town’s overburdened sewage system. The second development, an 80-home site off Victoria Road West in Littlestone, was also given the green light despite similar concerns about infrastructure and flood risks.
A96-Home Estate in New Romney Faces Opposition Over Flooding Fears
The New Romney development has been in the pipeline since the district council’s corporate plan back in 2016. However, it faced fierce resistance from residents worried about flooding and the capacity of the local sewage system. Ward Councillor David Wimble, who originally called in the application, stated that many felt the outline planning had been pushed through via delegated decisions without sufficient consultation.
“I pointed out that local knowledge dictated that the field has a long history of flooding,” Councillor Wimble said. “While I am sure Pentland [Homes] would ensure their development would be safe, I was concerned about water runoff affecting neighbouring properties, especially given the current situation with our sewage plant already running over capacity.”
The developers, Pentland Homes, argued that they had met with the New Romney Town Council and addressed concerns about density and the height of the buildings. Oonagh Kerrigan, representing Pentland Homes, stated: “The density of the development remains low, with a gross density of just 28 dwellings per hectare, in keeping with the local area. The proposals will secure the delivery of a high-quality development.”
Despite these assurances, the estate includes plans for a three-storey block of flats that have remained unchanged since the outline planning stage, which continues to spark discontent. However, Pentland will contribute over £530,000 to local healthcare and education, and they emphasised that the design was already approved in previous planning stages.
80 Homes in Littlestone Approved Despite Concerns About Flooding and Infrastructure
The second approved development, an 80-home site in Littlestone, near New Romney, has also faced significant opposition from local residents. The site off Victoria Road West has been in the planning stages for four years, and while it was allocated for housing in FHDC’s local plan, the application for detailed planning was initially rejected in 2022. However, an appeal to the government’s Planning Inspectorate was successful, and the plans moved forward.
Earlier this year, the original developer L&G went into liquidation, causing delays. A new proposal was then submitted by Town & Country Housing and Monson Homes, with amendments to the previous designs. Andrew Miles, acting as the developers’ agent, told the planning committee: “This proposal will deliver 80 much-needed new homes of various sizes, including 18 affordable homes and four custom-built homes. All homes are designed to be highly sustainable, incorporating low carbon renewable energy systems.”
The development will include air-source heat pumps instead of traditional boilers, aligning with the council’s sustainability goals. However, local residents, led by Ray Jepps, chairman of the Littlestone Residents Association, remain concerned about the site’s flood risks.
“The principle of developing this floodplain is deeply flawed,” Jepps told the committee. “Residents and the town council alike have repeatedly objected to this development. The woeful condition of the adjacent roads with collapsing surface drains and regular floods cannot support such a development without serious infrastructure improvements.”
Jepps also called for the construction of dykes along the site boundary to mitigate flood risks.
Councillors Vote to Approve Both Projects Despite Objections
Despite ongoing concerns from both communities, FHDC’s planning committee voted to approve both developments during their meeting on September 10. The New Romney site was passed with seven votes in favour, two against, and one abstention, while the Littlestone development was similarly approved after extended discussions about the sustainability of the plans and their impact on local infrastructure.
Councillors urged the developers to minimise disruption to residents during the construction phases, referencing past issues with construction vehicles causing road closures. “It was hugely impactful on local residents last time, and we expect Pentland to ensure it doesn’t happen again,” one councillor stressed regarding the New Romney project.