Scheme for 150 new homes recommended for refusal

A plan to build 150 homes in Kent has been recommended for refusal because of "unacceptable harm" to the area's historic character.

Bellway Homes Ltd submitted plans for a 7.8-hectare site off Moor Street, in Rainham, to Medway Council in December last year.

The proposal mentioned that 25% of the homes would be affordable and set across three areas with open space.

However, planning officers said that the impact on the area's semi-rural character and historic buildings outweighed the benefits.

The ribbon of medieval, high-status yeoman's houses, including the Grade II listed West Moor Farmhouse and West Moor Cottage, were reliant upon the open fields, planning officers added.

The proposals would not directly alter historic buildings, but their significance meant that the plans should be refused, they said.

However, even if the plans were rejected by councillors, the final decision would rest with the housing secretary, Steve Reed, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Earlier this year, a directive required all schemes of 150 homes or more to be referred to the housing secretary, who will decide whether to intervene.

The plans drew 20 objections over loss of farmland, landscape harm and increased pollution, and the site was removed from the council's final Local Plan.

The outline application is due to be debated on Wednesday.

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