Fresh plans to build homes on the site of a garden centre have been refused amid fears the properties would ruin the countryside’s appearance.
The shock closure of Preston Gardens and the adjoining Coppers Bistro near Wingham sparked a deluge of heartfelt messages last summer.
Preston Garden Centre is on the market for £1.35 million. Picture: Christie & Co
It was soon after that Dover District Council (DDC) refused the owner’s proposals to build 10 homes on the site, which is situated south of Preston Gardens next to Mill Lane.
Residents had flagged concerns with the council over extra traffic impacting the safety of pupils walking to and from Preston Primary School.
Now, the authority has refused a revised bid which slashed the number of homes in half but still contained several perceived problems.
“The proposed development is outside of the settlement confines,” a planning officer wrote in a report.
“It would result in harm to the character and appearance of the countryside and not respond well to the verdant nature in which it sits.
“Furthermore, in the absence of ecological surveys, the proposed development could result in harm to the biodiversity currently found on site.
“In addition to this, the applicant has failed to provide any affordable housing provision.”
David Kelly was one of six residents who objected to the proposals.
“The development is almost adjacent to a large primary school where the children walk along Mill Lane at least twice a day at drop-off and pick-up times,” he said in a written objection.
“Additional homes and traffic will only result in further danger to the welfare and wellbeing of the children and their parents or carers.”
The shock closure of Preston Garden Centre sparked a deluge of heartfelt messages
Susan Breedon voiced similar concerns about the safety of schoolchildren.
“This area is lacking the infrastructure for more housing,” she added.
“Roads need to be widened and improved, and traffic must be slowed.”
Chris Margeson was concerned about how the homes would impact the rural area.
“The development will result in the loss of, or adversely affect the character or appearance of, the countryside and would cause harm to the character of the landscape,” he said.
“It is in the countryside, outside of the village confines boundary.”
DDC’s housing enabling officer said the application should provide affordable housing at 30% – which is at least two affordable homes.
They argued there is a “clear and identifiable need” for affordable housing in the district, in particular rural villages such as Preston.
The garden centre’s owners revealed plans in 2023 for 10 homes on land they labelled “surplus to requirements” – based south of Preston Gardens, next to Mill Lane.
After planning chiefs quashed the proposals, a separate bid for nine homes was launched – but also rejected.
The parish council wants to buy Preston Garden Centre and turn it into a village hall. Picture: Christie & Co
And the recently refused scheme saw the number of houses halved.
Yet another bid submitted to DDC outlining plans for five new homes – this time north of the former garden centre – was approved last year.
Preston Parish Council revealed it will attempt to save the garden centre – which is on the market for £1.35 million – by turning it into a community centre.
But it is understood this depends on whether planning permission at Six Acres for 53 homes is approved.
The parish council objected to the most recent proposals for homes, citing concerns about the site being in a “very narrow lane” and outside the village confines.
“The site is currently an overgrown site with many trees and it is difficult to see how developing part of it can result in a genuine biodiversity net gain,” it said.
“There are extant planning permissions for similar detached houses in the centre of the village and further sites to the north of the village identified in the local plan for development and about to come forward for planning permission.
“There is a danger of overloading the village with large detached houses.
“The proposed development is considered to have a detrimental impact on the setting of the heritage assets in the form of the adjacent conservation area, village green and listed buildings.”
A notice was posted on the closed gates stating the garden centre would shut for good on August 27.
Plans to build five homes at Preston Garden Centre were refused
“To all our customers and friends, thank you for all your support over the last ten years,” it said.
After the news, villagers shared their disappointment on social media, with one saying: “What a huge shame.
“The peace and joy, a gorgeous garden centre and delicious food is a real gem and a solace for all in this busy world. I’m sad to see this.”
John Greig commented: “Very sad to see this.
“Always a lovely place to visit.
“Thanks to all who worked there and looked after us.”
Josie Leicester added: “We’ve had some great times there and wish everyone the best for the future.”