97.5% Opposed: But Shepway Council still force through Weymouth Road sell-off plan

Shepway District Council have forced through a plan to sell land in Weymouth Road for a housing development against the wishes of 97.5% of local residents and Folkestone Town Council.

A survey of local residents views by local councillors Tim Prater and Peter Gane had found that 40 out of 41 respondents were against the proposal. Folkestone Town Council Planning Committee also came out against the proposal and reported back to Shepway District Council their opposition to the move.

Folkestone Town Councillor Tim Prater has angrily denounced the move. Tim said:

"From the second Shepway Council started 'consulting' on this proposal it was clear they were going to try to bulldoze this proposal through.

"Councillor Peter Gane and I have asked the views of residents in Weymouth Road and Langdon Road that could see, or would be affected by the development. Of the 38 people we contacted, 37 people were against the development. That's an 97% overwhelming majority - and we have passed the views of all those who have responded to the council. It is a disgrace that that voice has been ignored.

"This decision was proposed and has been pushed through by the department led by Cheriton Councillor Linda Cufley. For a Cheriton Councillor to fly in the face of such complete opposition is sad and incredible. Many local residents are going to find it hard to forgive her, or any of the Conservative and People First administration that have made this decision.

"Does the word 'shame' mean nothing to Shepway?"