Proposed Development of 450 Houses
Cockering Farm Development
A meeting between local Residents and Parish Councillors was convened Monday
night (12th July’04) at the Ashford Road Community Centre following concerns
expressed by several residents from Wincheap, Thanington and Chartham, that
had attended a hearing last month at the Guildhall Westgate Canterbury,
where Barristers' acting for Pelham Homes argued there case for “change of
status” to the Local Planning Review of land in the Stour Valley, between
Cockering Road and Ashford Road where they are seeking to develop 450 houses.
A number of residents stated they were dismayed at the lack of response by
the Barrister acting for Canterbury City Council Planning Department
whom appear to be ill prepared and muddled in presenting the case on behalf
of Canterbury City Council "District Local
Plan Review".
Conversely, the Barrister acting for PELHAM HOMES with a TEAM (3 other
professionals) in attendance was as one observer put it “armed to the
teeth” with facts & figures, and came across very slick and professional in
presenting PELHAM HOMES case.
The outcome of this public enquiry will not be know until the Inspectorate
reports back to CCC in January/February 2005 with his findings. The
Inspectorate’s report will without doubt have far reaching implications, and
could effect the final outcome as to whether an application submitted by
Pelham Homes for the proposed development of 450 houses on land in the Stour
Valley is approved or not.
If planning permission were to be given the impact that any development
of this nature would have on the landscape, wildlife, and surrounding
countryside
with increased volumes of traffic going in and out of the development, on
to the Ashford Road (A28) to and from Canterbury, let alone the ever increasing demands
placed
on public services, (which are already over stretched) would be
catastrophic.
for Landowners 
