An update on plans to build hundreds of new homes in a village is expected as a special meeting has been called to discuss the area’s local plan.
Medway Council planners will be hosting an event for residents of Allhallows, Stoke, Grain and St Mary Hoo tomorrow (Monday).
They will be holding a presentation on the draft local plan; however, they are also expected to give an update on proposals to build 350 homes in Allhallows.
It has been described as a “critical meeting” by the Allhallows Action Group, which has been set up by residents to fight the potential plans from Catesby Estates.
A spokesman said: “Hopefully, we can stop it from happening as it will ruin generations of life in this village.
“This is the most critical meeting. It is a good opportunity, and we need everyone to come together to have a voice.
“We are encouraging everyone to come to the meeting. A lot of people give up, but we can challenge this; it is not a done deal yet.”
In June, Catesby Estates revealed its development plans for a plot of land on the south side of Allhallows on the Hoo Peninsula, off Stoke Road, Binney Road and Dairy Fields Close.
Allotments, a children’s play area, a multi-use games area, an orchard and recreation grounds are also included in the plans.
The Rugby-based land promoter was seeking views before putting in an outline planning application with the unitary authority.
However, many villagers loudly objected to the scheme, which would almost double the size of the village, saying that it would not be able to cope with the influx of housing.
They claimed that the existing infrastructure, including roads, GP services, sewage and the electrical grid, is already inadequate without hundreds of new residents added on top.
Speaking to KentOnline previously, Pauline Thompson said the prospect of having 350 homes near enough at the end of her garden was frightening.
She added: “We do not know the effect it will have on the village. I do not think we can sustain that many extra people.
“The electricity, the sewage, the water, we are all worn out, and it needs fixing before any more houses can possibly come into the village.”
However, Catesby Estates says the development could offer significant benefits to the local economy, claiming it would stimulate economic growth, create jobs, assist in meeting local housing needs and add to the local authority’s revenue.
The firm is a strategic land promoter which partners with landowners to create proposals and pass them through the planning process.
It is not a developer but identifies sites, applies for planning permission and then helps the owners to sell the land to companies which build the homes.
The special meeting will take place at 7pm on Monday, August 4, at Cross Park in Allhallows and is only open to constituents from the All Saints ward.
Council officers are also expected to discuss the draft local plan, which was approved by the unitary authority for public consultation in June.
