Herne Bay MP Roger Gale has slammed plans for up to 1,000 homes on the outskirts of the town. He spoke out at a public consultation organised by developers Kitewood about their proposed development at Hillborough. In a cutting interview with the Times Mr Gale derided the plans as a "mess" and said the firm had "not done its homework". The Conservative MP for Thanet North said:
"Kitewood have unfortunately given the impression that they don't finish what they start, and make false promises. They're currently saying: 'We're going to build a new primary school'. No they are not; they're going to make a contribution to Kent County Council's building fund. Have they consulted with KCC about this? No they haven't. They're promising a new bridge over Margate Road, but they haven't even acquired the land from Network Rail yet. These could easily be seen as false promises. If you generate an estate of over 800 houses, and if it is muddled through, we will be left with a mess. I think they need to go away and do their homework."
Residents and councillors questioned at the consultation were united in their opposition to the planned development. Retired oil trader John Furneaux and his wife Sue said they were concerned at the scale of the plans. Mr Furneaux said:
"Where are all these people going to work? I don't want to be a Nimby, but open space is being progressively eaten up."
Herne and Broomfield councillor Peter Vickery-Jones said:
"I think as a goodwill gesture they should build the bridge before anything else happens."
Chartered accountant and Reculver resident Terry Mills said:
"They need to get everything else controlled around here before they start building again. Even the business park; it has drawn people from the other end of Sea St, which is now derelict. You just wonder if it is really necessary for the town?"
Iris Law, who lives on Bishopstone Lane, said:
"There are already massive problems with the sewers. They say they're not going to build a new pumping station; how's that going to work? The roads are already crowded and a disgrace, with up to 3,000 more people living here lives will be at risk."
Herne Bay Times 9th Sep 2011