Hmmm... separating the under-60s and over-60s... do I detect an attempt to 'divide and rule'?
Developers pushing for a £240 million housing scheme on the outskirts of Herne Bay claim people over the age of 60 do not want it to happen. In a report compiled on public opinion, Kitewood Estates says there is opposition from “those more senior residents who would prefer to retain the existing status quo".
The firm adds “those who appeared to be aged over 60 were more likely to be opposed to the scheme”, but claims a “broad support” overall, particularly from people with young families.
The comments are made in a report put together after two days of public consultation about the plans, which include 1,375 homes, a primary school and shopping centre in Hillborough. The phased development would start at the end of next year and continue until 2026.
More than 400 people are thought to have attended the exhibitions at Reculver Primary School in August and September, with 183 filling out questionnaires. Of those who responded, 36% are said to be in favour of the scheme, with 62% opposed and just 2% undecided.
Kitewood claims all 47 online replies were in support of the proposal. Only 60% of objectors explain why they are against the plans, with Kitewood accusing the others of “expressing a blanket opposition to the development”.
Among the concerns raised are traffic congestion, the need for another secondary school, and the loss of green space. Other replies push for new medical and dental facilities, an improved bus service and even a new railway station.
But Kitewood accuses locals of failing to grasp the road improvements proposed and how they would ease traffic density concerns. It also says people have confused the scheme with other unrelated developments in the area.
Despite the majority of responses opposing the plans, Kitewood describes those who did not as a “very high” percentage, claiming an “organised anti-development faction often represents no more than a minority voice”. It adds:
“There is broad support for the scheme and understandable opposition from those more senior residents who would prefer to retain the existing status quo. It is important for Kitewood to enhance its plan and incorporate the proposals made by local residents and to address the important issues they have raised. Most importantly, it is essential that Kitewood is able to communicate the beneficial impact and long-term planning gains the scheme will deliver for the community.”
Campaigner questions result
Speaking on behalf of the Save Hillborough campaign, leader Laura Calder questioned the results. She said:
"Only 13% of the paper replies to the consultation were in favour, but 100% of the email replies were in favour, which looks a bit odd. Even if you include all of the favourable email replies, over 60% were not in favour of the scheme, but Kitewood describes this as ‘broad support’.
It is very disappointing that they should go to all the trouble of this big PR exercise. and then ignore the voices that they don't want to hear. Let’s hope that our councillors pay more attention to us than the developers have."