Residents of Worth village in Kent have voiced strong opposition to a proposed housing development, citing concerns over flood risks, inadequate infrastructure, and the desire to preserve the village’s character. The development, which would add up to five affordable homes, has drawn 93 public comments on Dover District Council’s (DDC) planning portal, with only three in support.

Flood Risks and Infrastructure Concerns

Villager Graham Goddard said residents are “totally against” the project, arguing that Jubilee Road, where the development is proposed, is “not wide enough” to accommodate more homes. He highlighted the area’s vulnerability to flooding and criticized the drainage system, calling it “diabolical.”

“That land floods and the drainage is diabolical, so we’re totally up in arms about it,” Goddard said. “There should be no more building here — it’s a lovely village and we don’t want homes down this road.”

The site is located in two flood zones, but the developers argue that the land is suitable for homes “subject to appropriate mitigation.” Proposed precautions include avoiding ground-floor bedrooms and implementing a flood warning service. However, residents remain unconvinced.

Community and Environmental Concerns

Villager Martin Woods echoed concerns about the narrow road and potential for more power cuts due to increased demand. He also expressed worry about the loss of scenic views of the countryside.

“Jubilee Road is too narrow a road — most of it is single track,” Woods said. “Also, we get power cuts here and more houses will mean more power cuts. We also have a good view of the countryside, which we won’t get with more housing.”

Other residents have raised concerns about the impact on local wildlife, particularly skylarks that nest in the field. Jane Wilkinson, a resident, wrote on DDC’s planning portal that the site is “a nature area as well as sitting on a floodplain.” She also highlighted the need to upgrade water and sewage infrastructure to support more homes.

“The neighbours’ gardens and our garden continually flood in heavy rain,” Wilkinson wrote. “We feel that the water and sewage infrastructure would have to be completely updated to stand a hope of supporting more houses. Worth can still be termed a village. Please leave it that way — there are few enough left as it is.”

Developer Argument and Planning Context

The applicants, Mr J Stevens and Mrs S Morgan, submitted their outline scheme to DDC in November, stating that their project would “sit comfortably” within the village. Their planning statement suggests the homes could be two- to four-bedroomed properties, with 30 parking bays planned on the site.

The site is included in DDC’s Local Plan, a planning blueprint that aims to enable the construction of 11,000 homes across the district by 2040. Finn’s chartered surveyors, working on behalf of the applicants, argue that the proposal would “make better use of an existing underused area of land.” They describe the site as “adjacent to and between existing established family dwellings within an established built-up road frontage, part of the built settlement area of Worth.”

KentOnline has approached the applicants for further comment, but as of now, no additional statements have been provided. The development is currently under review by DDC, with no decision date set. If approved, the project would mark a significant shift in the village’s landscape, potentially altering its character and increasing pressure on local infrastructure.

Residents continue to rally against the proposal, emphasizing the importance of preserving the village’s charm and addressing the environmental and infrastructural challenges that come with new housing developments. The outcome of the planning application will have far-reaching implications for the community and could set a precedent for similar projects in the area.