Residents in Faversham, Kent, have strongly criticised proposals put forward by the Duchy of Cornwall to build 2,500 homes, which they believe will “swallow up” the town.
The plans were first announced when the King, as the Duke of Cornwall, managed the Duchy in 2018 and followed his vision to deliver the “most sustainable” homes possible and to address a housing crisis in the area.
The proposal is to build the 2,500 homes on 320-acre agricultural land in the historic market town across 20 years.
The Duchy owns 320 acres of land in the southeast area of the town, running up to the M2 and the Brenley Corner junction. The application for consent which was put out to public consultation has left residents feeling furious.
Resident, Richard Winnet, told the Telegraph: “The Duchy proposes such a development with the consequential loss of a huge area of fine productive agricultural land. This seems totally at odds with HRH’s public stance on environmental and farming issues.”
Another resident believed the housing proposal was not aligned with the royal’s love for the environment.
Sarah Vomley wrote: “I always thought the Duchy cared about the environment and green spaces, seems I was wrong. They also can’t (or won’t) maintain the houses they already have.”
Ms Vomley also believed Faversham did not have the infrastructure to support a development as it was difficult to get a doctor or dentist appointment in the area.
Resident James Addicott added: “My family are very proud 3rd-generation Duchy farmers and they feel ashamed and betrayed. No honour, just greed. We were hoping the Royals were maybe oblivious to it all, with good intentions, but it’s all a gloss.”
The Duchy is also working on its largest new-build development in Nansledan in Newquay, Cornwall, which will have 4,000 homes. Each will be designed to reflect local architectural tradition,
A masterplan for Faversham was submitted last December, seeking consent for an initial 261 homes on the site, as well as a local centre with shops along with community and business spaces.
A spokesman for the Duchy of Cornwall told the Telegraph: “South-east Faversham will, if planning permission is granted, follow in the footsteps of Poundbury, Nansledan and other sustainable Duchy developments and become one of the most environmentally friendly neighbourhoods in the United Kingdom.
“It will prioritise access to green spaces, sustainable transport and will focus on the community’s needs – including affordable housing and a new primary school as well as new traffic infrastructure and healthcare services.
“New green spaces including meadows, orchards, allotments and woodland means biodiversity is set to increase by 20 per cent while a focus on sustainable travel and building a walkable neighbourhood is expected to generate 20 per cent fewer car trips compared to similar-sized communities.”
Express.co.uk has contacted Duchy of Cornwall for comment.
