Planning

We scrutinise all local planning applications submitted to Canterbury City Council’s Planning Portal. We will comment on any applications that are thought to be inappropriate within the context of both the built and natural environment. Our comments draw on local knowledge from members, local residents and, occasionally, subject matter specialists. We are not a statutory authority and any comments we do submit to Planners are advisory only. Nothwithstanding this, we enjoy a very positive relationship with City Planners.

Normally, we will not publish comments online. However, when we have occasion to submit comments on any significant large scale developments that affect all of the local villages, we may show these either as links to the Planning portal, or sometimes as documents uploaded here: planning

Significant local developments

Widespread concerns have been voiced by local villagers and others about proposal for around 300 new houses in Littlebourne (see CA/23/000484. The application submitted by Mssrs. Gladman is formally noted as: Outline planning application for up to 300 residential dwellings (including affordable housing and older person accommodation), a new community hub, introduction of structural planting and landscaping, informal public open space and children’s play area and surface water flood mitigation and attenuation. All matters reserved except for access. Land At The Hill Bekesbourne Lane East Of Bekesbourne Hill Bekesbourne Canterbury CT4 5EA. The development however is located fairly centrally in Littlebourne rather than in Bekesbourne.

Concerns expressed have been wide ranging, but primarily relate to the impacts of such a large-scale development on already inadequate wastewater infrastructure, potential sewage-related surface flooding, increasing used of tankers to deal with the sewage inadequacies, and impacts on the Little Stour chalk stream.

Interested readers are referred to the development link shown above where all submissions are available for viewing. Currently, Littlebourne PArish Council is spearheading a technical and legal Action Group to foster awareness of the main issues.