Faversham Society Position: Development proposal from Duchy of Cornwall

With regards to the housing development proposal submitted by the Duchy of Cornwall, the Faversham Society is undertaking a process of comprehensively analysing the significant detail within the many technical documents submitted to Swale Borough Council relating to this application. This is the usual approach we take to considering all large-scale development proposals and we are fortunate to be able to call on the support of Society volunteers with professional planning, architecture, public infrastructure and built- and natural- environment expertise. Our process is designed to ensure we develop positions towards development proposals that are evidence-based, robust and stand up to the scrutiny of our members, the wider town, and the planning authorities. The benefit of this approach has been seen in our recent successes with challenging applications for the War Memorial, Abbeyfields and Cleve Hill.

In June 2022, the Faversham Society published its decision that it is, in principle, opposed to all large-scale development on greenfield land, including the original Duchy proposal. This remains its position. After we have concluded our analysis of the current Duchy proposal, we intend to hold a members’ meeting where we will present our findings and recommendations and take views. Our Board will then consider all feedback and views, before confirming our full position. We expect this process to conclude in the Autumn.