Local Plan: school on the golf course

A new school could be built in Herne Bay after land was ear-marked for educational development in the draft Local Plan.

Developers behind proposals for the former golf club confirmed talks are ongoing about putting a new secondary school on the site, along with a sports hub, supermarket and about 400 homes.

A map published with the Local Plan lays out an area to the west of the golf club site ear-marked for educational use.

The Gazette understands a school would be placed where developers initially planned to put a health club and sheltered accommodation.

Mark Quinn

Quinn Estates director Mark Quinn said:

"We have been speaking to several education providers and we will always look to work with the people of Herne Bay to create a community benefit for everyone."

Herne Bay MP Sir Roger Gale said:

"I regard the golf club proposals as very exciting. I have spoken with the developer and more than one school within the area, with a view to creating a secondary school on the site. We could create a satellite grammar school on that site."

Overall, the proposals would include about 400 homes, a Tesco, a sports hub and offices for small businesses. All of this has been included in the local plan.

Mr Quinn added:

"We think our site is one of the strongest in terms of community benefits and we are looking forward to working with Canterbury City Council and the people of Herne Bay to make this happen."

The first phase of Quinn Estates' proposals is expected to be sent for planning permission imminently. The developers are waiting for the opportunity to respond to a council report on the impact the development could have on retail in the area. Several sports clubs have been offered the use of facilities if the plans are approved.

Clive Cripps

Herne Bay Hockey Club chairman Clive Cripps said:

"I am delighted it has been included in the Local Plan. It takes us closer to making a reality what we have been dreaming-about over the past nine months. These are going to be a great benefit to the town. In the form it is planned, it will give the town the best sports facilities it's ever had and is ever likely to have."

Sir Roger said he had also held discussions with Quinn Estates about the inclusion of a school there. He added:

"I don't think the density of houses in this development would be too high"

Lost Identity

Herne and Broomfield parish council has sald it will oppose plans for a golf club development, althouqh councillors concede they wlll probably have to accept it. Clerk Monica Blyth said:

"Residents are concerned about loslnq the village's identity. We will be swallowed up and become a part of Herne Bay and Greenhill and that is not what anyone wants. We understand that we will probably have to have something."

The Details

A sports hub is the stand-out feature of the 400-home development. This would include eiqht hectares of cricket, tennis, football and hockey pitches, as well as open space. A hectare has been set aside for commercial use, which would become the Tesco site it Ouinn Estates' plans are approved. A separate leisure hub would include a doctor's surgery, businesses and a pub.

The plan says 1.25 hectares would be set aside for Herne Bay High School, but this is not understood to be part of the plans for a new school. Space for a care home has also been allocated. A footpath connecting the site to Herne would also be funded with the developers at Strode Farm. Developers would also have to contribute towards the cost of a Herne relief road at the farm and a level crossing in Sturry.

HB Gazette 9th May 2013