Canterbury Council Cancels Controversial 2,000-Home Plan

Canterbury City Council has officially scrapped plans for a controversial development of 2,000 homes on land owned by the University of Kent. This decision comes as part of the council’s revised draft local plan, which aims to guide housing and infrastructure development in the region until 2040. The withdrawal of this site has sparked celebration among campaigners who opposed the project, citing its ecological impact and potential harm to the local community.

The University of Kent had proposed the development to generate revenue amid financial difficulties. The original plan included a new rural settlement that would have significantly altered the landscape north of the university’s campus. However, local opposition proved formidable, culminating in protests led by the Save the Blean campaign, which emphasized the area’s ecological significance.

In a statement, the council acknowledged that the site was removed “due to concerns regarding provision of suitable access, impact on the highway network and impact on ecology, including the loss of ancient woodland.” With the cancellation of the 2,000-home project, the council now plans to shift its focus to alternative housing proposals in the area.

New Housing and Infrastructure Plans

The revised local plan suggests the construction of approximately 1,500 homes in eastern Canterbury. This area is set to include two new Park & Ride facilities, which aim to ease traffic congestion and support local transport needs. Additionally, the proposal features land allocations for a sports hub, providing high-quality facilities for both Canterbury Rugby Club and Canterbury City Football Club.

Julia Kirby-Smith, chair of the Save the Blean campaign, expressed her satisfaction with the decision, stating, “We are absolutely delighted with the news. The technical reasons were always there, but local people came together with such amazing community spirit to make sure the council understood what was at stake.” Kirby-Smith highlighted the importance of preserving the Blean Ancient Woodland and the unique archaeological heritage of the area.

Despite the positive reception of the housing changes, the new draft plan signals the end of long-discussed plans for a new hospital in the region. Previously earmarked for the Merton Park site, the hospital project has been completely removed, with 310 homes now proposed for this land. The revised plan also includes a significant allocation for 1,737 homes, indicating a shift in focus towards residential development rather than healthcare infrastructure.

Political Context and Future Steps

The current draft local plan reflects the priorities of the Labour-Liberal Democrat coalition that took power in 2023, replacing a previous Conservative administration. The earlier draft included plans for a controversial zoning scheme that would have regulated traffic within the city. Following public backlash, this zoning plan has been discarded, and new proposals are being introduced without the associated bypass road.

Local councils face yearly housing targets from the central government, which can result in penalties for failing to meet these demands. The removal of the University of Kent site now necessitates alternative solutions to ensure the council can achieve its targets. The reintroduction of housing proposals east of Canterbury is a strategic move to maintain compliance with these requirements.

Council leader Cllr Alan Baldock emphasized the importance of a robust local plan, stating, “Local Plans are designed to enable housing and economic growth to be delivered in a coordinated way while delivering the vital infrastructure that’s needed and protecting our most important green spaces.”

On September 8, 2023, the city council will hold a meeting to vote on the new draft plan and open it for public consultation, allowing residents and organizations to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

As the council navigates housing demands and ecological concerns, the future of Canterbury’s development will hinge on community engagement and sustainable planning practices. With the Blean Biopark proposal gaining traction, there remains hope for a balanced approach that prioritizes both housing needs and environmental preservation.