News

Local councillors are furious that Shepway Council officers are recommending the refusal of a planning application for a residential home in Hawkinge.

The outline application for the complex is due to be considered on Tuesday (20 November). The plans include around 80 bedrooms and 32 suites of extra care accommodation together with parking, a new vehicle access and estate road.

Two North Downs East District councillors, David Godfrey and Cllr Stuart Peall are unhappy at the stance taken by officers and have written to the council to show their support for the application.

Hawkinge Parish Council chairman David Callahan cannot understand the council officers' decision. He said: "The parish council unanimously supported the application - it has the full support of the village.

"It will provide local elderly residents with the option of staying in the village if they need care facilities, and for the younger residents there will be a substantial number of new jobs created.

"It is beyond belief that the officers have recommended refusal for such a popular and necessary development which is also perfectly sited next to the new Hawkinge Health Centre."