Plans to build up to 1,650 homes on fields bordering Birchington village have been approved, despite significant local opposition. The outline planning application, submitted in 2021 by

developers Ptarmigan Land and Places for People, has sparked extensive debate over the past two years.

The proposal faced over 1,800 objections from residents, who raised concerns about insufficient infrastructure, the loss of agricultural land, and the impact on the village’s tranquil character, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In September, Thanet District Council deferred the decision in hopes of securing a higher percentage of affordable housing within the development. However, no changes were made to the original plans, and the council narrowly approved the application by a vote of seven to six on Tuesday.

The key sticking point was the proportion of affordable homes in the project. Thanet District Council's policy requires 30% of homes in large developments to be designated as affordable. However, the developers proposed just 15.5%, citing financial constraints and the need to meet profitability expectations.

A potential increase in affordable housing to 23% hinges on funding for the North Thanet Link Road, a six-mile route planned to connect the A28 and Manston Road. If Kent County Council (KCC) secures government funding for this project, it could relieve developers of some road-building costs, freeing up resources to include more affordable housing.

Currently, the developers plan to fund part of the road themselves. Without government support, achieving the 30% affordable housing target would significantly impact their profit margins, the developers argued.

Council members were split on whether the proposed level of affordable housing was acceptable. Despite the division, the plans were approved, allowing the project to move forward.

The development marks a significant expansion of Birchington but remains contentious among locals and council members alike. As the project progresses, the final details of infrastructure, funding, and housing distribution will play a crucial role in shaping the area’s future. Photo by Lewis Clarke, Wikimedia commons.