Residents criticise new housing plans

1:31pm Thursday 15th May 2008

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A PLANNING application for 464 new homes has been met with anger by nearby residents.

Developer Land Securities wants to build houses on land south of Northfleet as well as 167,000sq m for office space and car parking with supporting roads.

Plans for the development, which would sit north of Ebbsfleet International Station and west of Blue Lake, were submitted to Gravesham Council last month.

The Northfleet Rise project, which includes 3.75 hectares of public open space, would form part of the firm's Ebbsfleet Valley development aiming to create 10,000 new homes across 100 acres near Swanscombe and Northfleet.

Northfleet resident Chris Wenden, a nurse at Darent Valley Hospital, is concerned the new homes will lead to health services becoming overcrowded.

She said: "The Ebbsfleet Valley work means we are going to have so many more people moving to the area, but I am yet to hear of any plans to put more beds into the hospital to look after them.

"Also, there is not enough green space in the area as it is.

"I'm glad they have allowed for a public open space in the plan, but 3.75 hectares is just not enough."

The 47-year-old, who lives in Factory Road, added: "It is just continual development around here.

"First the new station, now they are going to build over the cement works, and now this as well."

Youth worker Neil Sherress, who also lives in Factory Road, said: "These building firms chuck up their houses and then leave with their profits without a care for what they leave behind.

"I'm not getting the feeling enough thought is being put into the existing community."

Adam Cunnington, development director for Land Securities, said: "We have incorporated a significant amount of investment in local infrastructure, including comprehensive energy and water systems as well as the wider long term provision of health, education and leisure facilities that will be essential in supporting the population growth that has been forecast for the region in the next 25 years."