A decision will be made on the future of the South Canterbury Development at a special planning committee in the city next week
According to Canterbury City Council the South Canterbury Development, as it is known, is one of the biggest planning applications the city has ever seen. They are set to recommend the controversial plans, which will see an additional 4,000 homes built if they go ahead.
Due to the changes such a major development would entail, a special planning committee has been set for 13 December, during which the public will get to have their say on the application.
If permission is granted, land north and south of Old Dover Road to the southeast of the city will be transformed. Two primary schools, shops, restaurants and a relocated Kent and Canterbury Hospital are all pencilled in for the five hectare site, as well as a petrol station, hotel, health services, and a park-and-ride for 1,000 cars.
A replacement junction on the A2 near Bridge and a new link road with New Dover Road would also be needed.
Controversial plans have divided local opinion
Almost 100 public comments have been sent in regarding the proposals, which have divided opinion among local residents since they were submitted in March.
While advocates highlight the desperate need for new homes in the city and the employment opportunities the development will create, critics have voiced concerns about already heavy traffic and the increased strain it would put on the road network.
This seems at odds with the council’s ambition for “zero net vehicular traffic impact on the historic core of the city”, with over £50 million allocated for infrastructure and transport links.
“The intention to promote a 4,000 dwelling urban extension over 20 years with zero net vehicular traffic impact on the historic core of the city is a striking aspiration which would see Canterbury famous around the world for a second reason,” said a spokesperson for David Lock Planning and Urban Design, who are supporting the council in recommending approval.
“Making it happen will require huge effort. It remains an exciting challenge to which Canterbury City Council should try to rise as part of a re-invigoration of its heritage policies.”
