Residents breathe a sigh of relief as Ashford Borough Council turns down housing plans for Hamstreet, citing community concerns and infrastructure issues
Over 1,200 objections flooded in against the plans, which were first submitted in February 2024. The developers initially wanted to build 170 homes but later scaled it back to 140. Still, that didn’t sit well with the community.
At a recent packed meeting, the planning committee listened to residents and ultimately decided to reject the proposal. They pointed out that the new estate would leave future residents relying heavily on cars since local services are quite a distance away.
While the developers argued that the project would help address the housing crisis, many locals felt the negatives outweighed any potential benefits. They raised concerns about traffic, overcrowded schools, and the lack of infrastructure to support such a large development.
Local councillors echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the area isn’t suitable for such a big project. The unanimous vote against the plans was met with applause from the gathered villagers, who were relieved to see their voices heard.
After the meeting, residents expressed their thoughts on the situation, highlighting the need for thoughtful development that considers the community’s needs. It’s clear that Hamstreet folks want to keep their village’s character intact while still allowing for some growth.
