THE POSSIBLE controversial double housing development in Sholden was due to be discussed at a Dover District Council planning meeting last night.

As the Express went to press, the planning committee was discussing the developments which could potentially double the size of the village.

Dover District Council's Tim Flisher, case officer for the two developments, has recommended the applications from Hillreed Homes and Ward Homes be approved.

At the last meeting, the committee discussed a letter sent by Ward Homes and accused the developer of blackmail and bully-boy tactics.

Now, DDC has taken the unprecedented step of calling a second planning meeting in two weeks to discuss the developments.

Hillreed is looking to build 230 homes north west of Church Lane, taking in agricultural land at Court Lodge Farm.

The site will include new roads, cycle paths, footpaths and a pond.

It is in addition to the plan by Ward Homes for 238 properties, associated open space and landscaping on land next to London Road and Sholden New Road.

Mary Shaw, Sholden Parish Council clerk, said : "We are not against developing, we are against a development of this size. It will double the village in size.

"The assurances of developers is not enough to convince us. Even if the applications are deferred, I'm sure the developers will fight until they get what they want."

Speaking at the last meeting, councillor Bill Gardner said: "We've been told we failed to give it proper consideration after we had five hours of discussions. Some might say this letter from the developer is blackmail and bully-boy tactics."

See next weeks Express for the full story.