A new-build estate within the Kent Downs ‘National Landscape’ could be twice as big as originally proposed.
McCulloch Homes has submitted plans for 110 properties next to Hawkinge Cemetery.
It follows a previous bid for 52 homes from a different applicant that was withdrawn in April 2024.
The land is at the junction of Aerodrome Road and Spitfire Way in Hawkinge, a “growing town” where thousands of homes have been built in recent decades.
But is also lies within a National Landscape – formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
A design and access statement submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council says: “The scheme represents a landscape-led extension to Hawkinge, a designated growth centre, and responds to the sensitivities of its location within the Kent Downs AONB.”
Two objections have been raised so far, arguing that congestion in the town would worsen.
Paul Penny said: “Objection based on the already serious traffic issues and delays within Hawkinge, specifically the lack of traffic infrastructure in place on roads leading to M20/A20.
“Until additional infrastructure to alleviate the constant queuing is put in place, more homes and even more commercial traffic will only compound the issue.”
While Chris Hadfield described the plans as “both ludicrous and absurd”.
He commented: “I cannot believe it is even being considered as it is the last thing Hawkinge needs.”
As part of the scheme, land has been allocated for commercial units to sit alongside 77 houses and 33 flats.
Planning documents say the updated proposals offer a “timely opportunity to deliver much-needed, high-quality housing” while continuing to “celebrate the Kent countryside” through a landscape-led design.
The commercial unit, set to be one-storey, will be “centrally located” for future residents, and the flats – across two apartment blocks – will front the main road to create an “active edge”.
Access to the development is planned for Spitfire Way, with a secondary pedestrian and cycle route proposed from Aerodrome Road.
McCulloch Homes has led a number of developments across the county, including the completed Mulberry Place in Margate, and continues to work on schemes in Rainham and Snodland.
The latest plans in Hawkinge come almost two years after proposals were submitted to turn the same plot into 52 homes and a mini supermarket.
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At the time Cllr David Godfrey (Con), who lives in Hawkinge, said “new homes are needed in the area” as “Hawkinge is a growing town”.
Those earlier proposals were withdrawn by the applicant three months after submission.
A spokesperson for McCulloch Homes said its proposals were not “more than double” the previous plans “in terms of potential occupancy”.
“We are providing a mix of affordable homes, including smaller family and starter homes, directly supporting the government’s ambition to deliver 1.5 million new homes,” they added.
“Any difference in car ownership between proposals will be negligible.
“The Kent Downs National Landscape was a key consideration from the outset. Our site lies on the edge of the AONB and has been assessed as acceptable for development, with no significant adverse impact on statutorily protected nature conservation sites.
“We believe this scheme represents a balanced, sustainable solution that meets housing needs while respecting environmental and policy constraints.”
FHDC is expected to make a decision before the end of January.
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