Locals Outraged as Council Votes to Raze Garden Centre for New Housing

The council’s proposal to demolish a popular garden center and replace it with 12 big houses has ignited outrage in a tranquil, tree-lined neighborhood of Kent.

Last week, Medway Council gave approval to plans put forth by Provectus Developments to tear down Dillywood Garden Centre located in Higham. This clearance will enable the construction of high-end residences at the site.

The development proposal outlines plans for constructing 12 residences on the location, each featuring four or more bedrooms, with an enclosure formed by a row of trees around the area.

However, residents have responded with anger to the plan, asserting that the region lacks the infrastructure to handle more traffic, sewage issues, and heightened demands on nearby facilities.

They charged the developers with crafting a 'blemish on the scenery' that would potentially 'harm the vicinity.'

Local officials have charged the builders with constructing on protected green spaces, yet Medway Council decided in favor of the proposals, stating it was a 'typical grey belt location,' which implies the area isn’t afforded the usual safeguards against construction.

The proprietors of Dillywood declared that the center would shut down just prior to this announcement. Christmas , where development plans put forward by builders were submitted in February.

This involves shutting down the center's tearoom and aquatic center.

In response to the shutdown posted online, a local commented: "As a child, I was brought here by my parents, and it remains an incredibly picturesque spot—though it is situated right in the heart of a quiet countryside road."

'Why would anyone desire a home out in the middle of nowhere?'

Another comment stated: "The Medway Labour Council will green-light all construction proposals from here on! They aim for increased housing numbers and higher revenues without considering the impact on land and infrastructure."

Council member Jordan Meade, who serves as the representative for Higham and Shorne Ward at the Gravesham Borough Council, stated that the proposed plans could lead to a negative effect on the village.

He argued that constructing the homes would constitute significant overdevelopment in the greenbelt region, stating further that "the proposal does not align with the character of the local community and would mar the surrounding scenery."

Mr. Meade stated, "We have significant concerns regarding this application and feel that the proposal does not adequately respect the rights of local residents to appreciate village life."

We also think there are substantial unresolved Highway problems that, unless addressed, might lead to risks for people and properties. Additionally, we feel that the criteria for special conditions to allow development in the greenbelt haven’t been satisfied.

People who were not directly involved in the project expressed worries about increased traffic and environmental impacts when voicing their objections to the proposals. One individual commented, "This planned development won’t bring any advantages to the region and will entirely disturb the current balance."

This advancement is misplaced and fails to be practical or cost-effective, let alone considering the ecological effects of freight lorries and building activities.

The local organization known as the Dickens' Country Protection Society similarly objected to the proposals, arguing that the suggested residential development would not align with Green Belt policies. They also expressed concern that these homes would be inconsistent with the surrounding area’s character.

However, during last week’s Planning Committee meeting, Councillor Adrian Gulvin stated: "There is a necessity for high-quality housing in Medway; four-bedroom homes are rarely constructed here due to their scarcity."

These purchases will be made by individuals transitioning from three-bedroom houses because their families have expanded, thereby freeing up those three-bedroom residences for other buyers.

The approvals for the plans were issued last Wednesday.