Decision due on royal plan for 2,500-home estate

A controversial proposal to build 2,500 homes on Kent farmland owned by Prince William will go before planners on Tuesday.

The Duchy of Cornwall, the property portfolio headed by the future king, wants to build South East Faversham on land near Brenley Corner, between the M2 and A2.

The plans also include 400 social rent homes and a further 475 affordable dwellings, with the Duchy of Cornwall saying it would be a "sustainable urban extension" for the town.

According to Swale Borough Council (SBC) documents, more than 460 letters of objection have been received, with concerns including pressure on existing infrastructure, traffic, pollution and potential harm to wildlife.

SBC officers have recommended that the development is approved, with a final decision set to be made by councillors.

The proposals were originally put forward when King Charles was the Duke of Cornwall, after the land off Selling Road near Junction 7 of the M2 was bought in 1999.

The plans also include a water recycling centre, a local centre for commercial and community activities, refuse and recycling storage and pedestrian and cycle routes.

The proposed estate is 137.7 hectares (340 acres) and predominantly used as arable farmland, according to council documents.

However, the land also includes Faversham Town Football Club's training ground in the north-western part of the site and the cricket pitch and pavilion used by Faversham Cricket Club.

The proposal is due to be decided at a SBC meeting on Tuesday.

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