Plan for 1,000 new homes approved

Controversial plans for 1,000 homes with shops, a school and leisure facilities on land between Broadstairs and Margate in Kent have been approved.

Thanet Council said it had taken a year to consider the Westwood application - three times longer than most planning applications were given.

"This application is for one of the biggest developments in Thanet's history," said spokesman Brian White.

Many residents objected to the plans, raising a 5,447 signature petition.

Reduce impact

Manston Parish Council also objected after holding a series of public meetings and Thanet received 226 letters of objection.

Mr White, head of development services, said the council had listened to residents and negotiated with developers to reduce the impact on their lives.

"The plans have been altered considerably to improve the road network and transport links to ease congestion, which will be completed before any houses are occupied," he said.

"We have also included measures to protect the homes in Star Lane from traffic noise and fumes, while traffic calming measures will be introduced in Manston Court Road and Gordon Road."

The plans, approved on Thursday, will now go to the Government Office for the South East for a final decision.