Big news from Kent! Those controversial plans for 2,000 new homes are officially off the table. After fierce opposition and passionate campaigning, the council has made a dramatic U-turn. What does this mean for future development, and where will new housing now be focused? The local landscape just got a major reprieve!
Canterbury City Council has officially scrapped contentious plans for a sprawling 2,000-home development on University of Kent land, marking a significant victory for local campaigners and environmental advocates. This pivotal decision, which removes the site from the council’s revised draft local plan, has been met with widespread delight among those who vehemently opposed the proposals, citing ecological concerns and infrastructure challenges.
The countryside plot, situated north of the University of Kent’s city campus, was initially earmarked as the largest single site in the authority’s blueprint for new housing across the district. These ambitious plans, put forth by the cash-strapped university, aimed to bolster its finances through the extensive residential development, envisioning a “new rural settlement” that would significantly alter the local landscape.
However, the council’s decision to remove the site was driven by a confluence of critical issues. Official statements highlighted serious concerns regarding the provision of suitable access to the development, potential adverse impacts on the already strained highway network, and, crucially, significant ecological implications, including the irreversible loss of ancient woodland that is a vital part of the local ecosystem.
The housing proposals ignited a storm of local opposition, particularly from residents in the nearby villages of Blean, Tyler Hill, and Hackington. This fierce community sentiment coalesced into the “Save the Blean” campaign, which organized a prominent march against the plans and garnered public support from high-profile figures such as Canterbury MP Rosie Duffield and renowned Springwatch presenter Chris Packham.
Julia Kirby-Smith, chair of the victorious Save the Blean campaign, expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome. Campaigners are now championing an innovative alternative: the “Blean Biopark,” a pioneering vision designed to enhance local ecology and become a substantial asset to the district. They earnestly hope the University of Kent and Canterbury Council will actively support and implement this conservation-focused initiative.
Despite the council’s reversal, the University of Kent maintains its stance on the original proposal. A university spokesperson indicated ongoing discussions with the council, reaffirming their belief that residential development on the land north of their Canterbury campus represents the optimal solution for meeting the district’s housing needs and generating essential economic revenue for the institution.
The shifting landscape of local planning means that while one controversial site is out, other areas are now being considered for extensive housing. To meet central government’s yearly housebuilding targets, thousands of homes could now be built elsewhere in the district, including a significant allocation of 1,500 homes in eastern Canterbury, signifying a strategic pivot in the region’s development strategy.
Furthermore, the revised local plan outlines proposals for two new Park & Ride sites. One will cover the A257 Littlebourne Road route into the city, while another is intended for Thannington Recreation Ground, specifically designed to support the emerging sports hub development at Merton Park. The Merton Park site itself is now proposed for 1,737 homes, with adjustments including the removal by Kent County Council of the need to supply a coastbound slip road to the A2, reflecting evolving infrastructure and planning priorities.
