Save our farmland from Gladman Developments

Please help Thanet residents fight Gladman Developments’ application to build 450 houses on 50 acres of farmland near Margate in Thanet, Kent.

 

The land in question consists of two fields that have been farmed for literally thousands of years. Thanet has a long and proud farming history and archaeological remains on the site date back to Roman times. These fields are hugely important for wildlife, including skylarks that breed there every year. Several species of bat hunt along the margins, birds of prey soar over the fields, and hares can be spotted amongst the crops.

 

 

 

 

The planning application was lodged by Gladman Developments in July 2020 and residents raised many concerns including increased risk of flooding, loss of biodiversity, loss of productive farmland, loss of character and open space, increased traffic, lack of infrastructure (such as too few GPs), lack of affordable housing and concerns over the ongoing management of water and sewage for an increasing local population.

 

After long and detailed discussion of all these issues at three planning committee meetings the application was eventually rejected by a majority of councillors in July 2021. Despite the many concerns raised by residents and ward councillors, the planning department advised that the reason for rejection should be solely based upon a lack of affordable housing.

 

 

 

 

We have recently been informed that Gladman Developments Ltd have lodged an appeal against this refusal decision and a public inquiry will be held in Margate on 11th January 2022.

 

Thus far volunteers have given their time freely to fight this campaign. So that we can continue to fight and take part in the appeal we now need to employ the services of experts, the first of which will be a planning consultant. We are raising funds to pay these experts and estimate that an initial £3000 will be needed.

 

Please donate if you are able, we’ll be very grateful for every single £ received.  Any raised funds that remain after the appeal will be put towards supporting similar future local campaigns.

 

Also, please sign our petition at this link.

 

The appeal case reference number is APP/Z2260/W/21/3280446; the Thanet District Council planning application number is OL/TH/20/0847. This campaign is supported by two residents’ groups – Salmestone Ward Residents Association and the Westgate & Garlinge Action Group against Houses on Farmland.