The green light has been given for 43 new homes – despite 44 letters opposing the plans.
Planning councillors unanimously voted through the scheme for Northwall Road, Deal, after locals raised fears about flooding and traffic.
An artist’s impression of housing proposed for the Northwall Road area in Deal. Picture: Hudson Madigan Ltd
One of the most recent opponents on the council’s planning portal was a resident who said: “The erection of more than 40 new homes at the end of this road is going to cause the residents unacceptable congestion, potentially another 80-plus cars coming in and out of the only access.
“At peak times, school/work hours this turning is currently dangerous and would be significantly worse!
“The site is a flood risk area and extremely close to the train tracks.”
Another resident feared the proposed development would increase traffic on Northwall Road and neighbouring roads.
She said in the portal: “This will increase accident risk, pollution and noise, all of which impacts on the quality of life for residents along these routes.
The present appearance of the Sandfield Farm area at Northwall Road, Deal. Picture: Google Maps
“In addition, there is a school on nearby Golf Road (Sandown Primary), which will be impacted by the increased traffic.”
The planning committee of Dover District Council (DDC) voted for the application on December 18.
The scheme, which also provides parking and landscaping, involves knocking down all existing buildings and structures on the 1.6 hectare site, Sandfield Farm.
The land is at present an authorised aggregate and waste area, with industrial buildings, but also has horse grazing space.
The aim is to build 38 terraced, detached and semi-detached houses, of two to three storeys, and five apartments.
A total 30% of the homes would be affordable.
An artist’s impression of the housing being planned for Northwall Road, Deal. Picture: Hudson Madigan Ltd
The application is by Kentish Projects Ltd and the renewed scheme this month (December) reduced the original homes count of 44 asked for in August 2024.
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal
Alister Hume, of the application agents Hume Planning Consultancy, told councillors that as the site would no longer be industrial, there would be no more lorry movements.
He said at the meeting: “The site is a brownfield of opportunity with a history of past activity associated with a busy groundworker contractor.
“Its replacement with housing, together with the environmental enhancements, are the main benefits of this proposal.
“There are other benefits including improved landscaping and tree planting. There are improvements to the road accesses and removal of large commercial movements along Northwall Road.
Map of the site for the 43 homes planned at Northwall Road, Deal. KMG graphic
“Also biodiversity enhancements improve surface water drainage.”
Council officers recommended approval of the scheme.
They had heard from Kent Highway Services that access would be improved because road access would be widened to allow vehicles to pass each other as well as cyclists and pedestrians safely.
The site is near a level crossing but Network Rail and the applicants agreed on the placing of an audible alarm system to enhance safety.
The council is also putting the onus on the developers to reduce flood risk.
For example, one planning condition is taking steps to prevent the discharge of surface water onto the highway.
Neighbours had previously said the scheme would aggravate sewage smells in the area. Another condition is providing details of a foul drainage scheme.