Approval nears for 900-home Herne Bay scheme

Plans for a major development in Herne Bay featuring 900 homes, commercial space, retail units, a school and a community centre look set to be approved.The project for the 135.1 acres of agricultural land at Hillborough on Sweechbridge Road is being led by Taylor Wimpey.The proposals include detailed plans for 193 dwellings and an outline application for a further 707 homes.The outline plans also includes more than 355,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace, including an 80-bed care home, as well as a local convenience store, retal units, a community centre with associated car parking, a two-form primary school and open public space.Off-site works will comprise a new westbound on-slip to and modified westbound off-slip from A299 Thanet Way and a new roundabout at the Heart-in-Hand Road/Sweechbridge Road/May Street junction.Of the 900 homes, 22 per cent – or 198 houses – will be affordable.The plans are recommended for approval subject to a completion of a section 106 agreement ahead of a Canterbury City Council planning meeting next week (2 July 2020).The developer is also expected to make a £2.24m contribution towards the Herne Relief Road.