Pushback over plans for 2,500 homes near village

A former council leader has called plans for thousands of homes "absolutely ridiculous" over fears of traffic chaos and a loss of farming land.

A proposal for more than 2,500 homes to be built in Bobbing, near Sittingbourne, is due to be decided by Swale Borough Council on Thursday evening, having already been recommended for approval.

Mike Baldock, leader of Swale Independent Alliance group, said plans such as those in Bobbing had seen potential employers shying away from investing in the area due to worries about infrastructure.

A spokesperson for developers Catesby Estates said the houses would address a "significant and ongoing need" for homes in Swale.

Baldock added: "The roads are already overused. I don't think you can mitigate for this amount of traffic in that area.

"This is agricultural land, we should recognise the importance of securing our own food supply.

"It's absolutely ridiculous."

The plans for homes on the near-500 acre (202 hectare) site were first submitted in 2022 and would also include a new school, village hall and healthcare centre.

Catesby Estates said at least 35% of the proposed homes would be earmarked as affordable housing, alongside potential plans for a care home facility.

A spokesperson for the developers added that waiting times for council housing and average house prices in the area highlighted "the importance of delivering new homes, particularly affordable housing to help ease pressure on local residents and improve access to housing".

A council spokesperson said: "Officers have prepared a report for members of the planning committee to consider when making their decision on the application.

"As with any application, the report considers all the information submitted by the applicant as well as responses from a wide range of consultees, including the public, as well as national and local planning policies."

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