Coolinge Lane, Folkestone

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Consultation has concluded

Proposed Coolinge Lane homes

Thank you for your interest in our Coolinge Lane project.

Southern Housing are one of the largest housing providers in the UK with over 77,000 homes across London, the South East, the Isle of Wight and the Midlands, giving over 167,000 people somewhere affordable to call their own.

Our vision is to create communities where everyone has a safe home in a place where they’re proud to live.

Our planning application to build eight new zero carbon homes on the land between Sandwich Close, Hythe Close, Walmer Way and Romney Avenue was refused. This page was archived in January 2024.

Thank you for your interest in our Coolinge Lane project.

Southern Housing are one of the largest housing providers in the UK with over 77,000 homes across London, the South East, the Isle of Wight and the Midlands, giving over 167,000 people somewhere affordable to call their own.

Our vision is to create communities where everyone has a safe home in a place where they’re proud to live.

Our planning application to build eight new zero carbon homes on the land between Sandwich Close, Hythe Close, Walmer Way and Romney Avenue was refused. This page was archived in January 2024.

Read on for more information about the proposal and details of how we consulted with the local community. We will engage with the community again when we are in a position to look at further opportunities in the area.

Proposal

We have been working in partnership with EDAROTH (Everyone Deserves A Roof Over Their Head), to explore opportunities to build new, energy efficient, affordable homes on underutilised plots of land.

The open space between Sandwich Close, Hythe Close, Walmer Way and Romney Avenue, which is owned by Southern Housing, has been identified as an area that could be brought into better use. The area we are looking at includes the play area to the north and the garages on the southern edge, behind Romney Avenue.

Our proposal is for:

  • The construction of eight new, zero carbon homes, manufactured off site.
  • A mixture of two and three bedroom houses, arranged as a row of terraces.
  • Five homes for shared ownership and three for social rent.
  • Each home will have a separate entrance, and gardens to the front and rear.
  • One parking space will be provided for each household. These will be at the southern end of the site, with access via a footpath
  • The garages along Romney Avenue have reached the end of their useful life and will be demolished. Current occupiers will be provided with an alternative garage nearby.

The proposal retains a small triangle of public space in front of the new homes, shown below.


The planning application

Following consultation (outlined below), we analysed the feedback, carried out further surveys and gathered additional information to complete our planning application submission. In June 2023 we submitted a full planning application to Folkestone & Hythe District Council. Now they have registered the planning application, you can view it and provide further comments on the council website at www. folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/planning.The planning application number is 23/1012/FH.

A Community Consultation report containing a summary and analysis of the findings from the resident consultation was submitted with the application. This can be downloaded by following the link in Information, letters and documents to the right of this platform (or by scrolling down if using a hand-held device).

Further consultation on landscaping of the open space

We have proposed that if the revised affordable housing scheme achieves planning approval, the final details for landscaping the remaining open space will be secured through a pre-occupation condition. This is to provide assurance of our commitment to consulting again, to develop a landscaping approach that most meets the needs of the local community.

Previous consultation engagement

We provided the following opportunities to feedback on our proposals, before submitting our planning application.

  1. Feedback on the proposal. We invite you to give us your feedback on our proposal for the overall design of the homes, before we submit our planning application. The deadline for this is Sunday 12 February. You can do this by completing the Feedback section at the bottom of this page, attending our drop-in event and filling in a feedback form or emailing the project team. We recommend coming along to the event before submitting your feedback so you can view the designs in more detail and discuss any concerns you may have with the project team.
  2. Survey on use of the public space. You have a little longer to complete our survey on use of the public space. The survey can also be found at the bottom of this page. Your answers will help us understand how you and your household currently use the open space and how you might prefer to use the retained public space in front of the proposed new homes (shown in the image above). The survey goes live on Wednesday 8 February and will close on Friday 24 February. Paper copies of the survey will be delivered to homes on Coolinge Lane Estate and can be handed in at our drop-in event or emailed to the project team.

Drop-in event

We warmly invite you to come along to our event on Wednesday 8 February any time between 3pm and 7pm.

Where: Mudpie (pottery studio)
131-133 Enbrook Valley
Sandgate
CT20 3NE

Accessible room, children welcome, refreshments available.

This is great opportunity to view the designs and find out more about the zero carbon, off-site construction homes we are proposing. You can meet the project team, ask questions and leave your feedback about the proposal. We'll provide an opportunity to share your ideas about how you would like to use the area in front of the new homes in our public space activity and help you complete the online survey.

The event information boards can also be viewed under Information, letters and documents.

Feedback (on our proposal for overall design of the homes)

You can ask the project team questions, leave your comments and read what other people have to say about our proposal in the Feedback section at the bottom of this page. Any comments received by Sunday 12 February 2023 will be carefully considered by the project team before the final designs are submitted to the planning department. After this date we will continue to read and consider any feedback you may have.

Survey - Use of public space (available from 8 February)

We hope you will complete our online survey (scroll down to find it), to help us understand how you like to use the public space. Paper copies will be delivered to homes on Coolinge Lane Estate and can be handed in at our drop-in event. Alternatively, you can email Coolinge.Lane@southernhousing.org.uk and a member of the project team will help you. The survey will be live from 8 - 24 February 2023.

Door knocking

The project team visited the estate in January to deliver a newsletter to residents living on the Coolinge Lane estate. If we missed you but you would like to speak to us, our contact details are on the newsletter and also under 'Who's Listening' on the right (or below if using a mobile device). We will be at the drop-in event on 8 February to answer any questions you may have.

Newsletters

Our January newsletter contains information about us and our proposal, the drop in event and how you can have your say. Further newsletters will let you know how your feedback has been used and explain what will happen next. You can view newsletters in Information, letters and documents on the right.

If you do not live on the Coolinge Lane Estate but would like to receive newsletters and other updates, please let the project team know. Our contact details can be found under Who's listening on the right (or below if using a mobile device).

How to get in touch

If you have any questions that are not covered here or in our Frequently Asked Questions, please contact the project team. Our details can be found under Who's Listening on the right (or below if using a mobile device).

About our partner, EDAROTH

EDAROTH believe that closing the housing gap requires a fresh approach. One that’s focused on delivering social and affordable housing at the point of need, and that creates the conditions that allow individuals, families and communities to flourish.

We aim to have a meaningful impact on the UK’s housing crisis by delivering homes for housing associations and councils.

It’s our purpose, our vision, our mission. It’s more than simply providing somewhere for people to survive. It’s about providing a spacious, desirable home where they can thrive. EDAROTH is a subsidiary of Atkins.

Everybody Deserves A Roof Over Their Head


Consultation has concluded

Ask questions, leave comments and read what other people have to say about our proposal. 

Your questions will help us understand what further information we need to share and help us provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions. 

Any comments received before Sunday 12 February 2023 will be carefully considered by the project team before the final designs are submitted to the planning department.

A member of the project team will respond to your questions as soon as possible. Please note your questions and comments will not be published until we respond. If you would like your question to remain private, please email the project team (see Who's listening) and we will respond by email. 

  • Share We live on Romney Ave on the corner of sandwich close. We have two boys who play in the park to play football. I love it so much! I love that from my kitchen window and i can see them playing. We really dont want houses to go there. I can see parking even to become more of a problem then it already is. We understand there is a need for more housing in Folkestone but please dont take away the small little parks for the children to play in. on Facebook Share We live on Romney Ave on the corner of sandwich close. We have two boys who play in the park to play football. I love it so much! I love that from my kitchen window and i can see them playing. We really dont want houses to go there. I can see parking even to become more of a problem then it already is. We understand there is a need for more housing in Folkestone but please dont take away the small little parks for the children to play in. on Twitter Share We live on Romney Ave on the corner of sandwich close. We have two boys who play in the park to play football. I love it so much! I love that from my kitchen window and i can see them playing. We really dont want houses to go there. I can see parking even to become more of a problem then it already is. We understand there is a need for more housing in Folkestone but please dont take away the small little parks for the children to play in. on Linkedin Email We live on Romney Ave on the corner of sandwich close. We have two boys who play in the park to play football. I love it so much! I love that from my kitchen window and i can see them playing. We really dont want houses to go there. I can see parking even to become more of a problem then it already is. We understand there is a need for more housing in Folkestone but please dont take away the small little parks for the children to play in. link

    We live on Romney Ave on the corner of sandwich close. We have two boys who play in the park to play football. I love it so much! I love that from my kitchen window and i can see them playing. We really dont want houses to go there. I can see parking even to become more of a problem then it already is. We understand there is a need for more housing in Folkestone but please dont take away the small little parks for the children to play in.

    Meagan Cheek asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. We appreciate you taking time to share your concerns. 

    Our aim is to provide much needed additional affordable housing whilst also improving the quality of the remaining green space. We encourage you to complete the ‘Use of public space’ survey so we can use the feedback to provide an amenity that will be valued by those who use it. 

    We understand that parking is a concern in the area. The new homes will each have an allocated parking space, approximately where the disused garages currently stand. This level of provision is in accordance with the Folkestone and Hythe required standards. A parking beat survey was also undertaken which will support a planning application to ensure that the proposed level of parking as part of the development is appropriate and in line with these required standards.  

    Check our FAQs under Information, letters and documents, for answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions. 

  • Share Has anyone considered the environmental impact of the fact there is fox dens in existence in the proposed plot of land that would be destroyed? Additionally, should there be a protection order put on that tree in the play park that is over 130 years old? on Facebook Share Has anyone considered the environmental impact of the fact there is fox dens in existence in the proposed plot of land that would be destroyed? Additionally, should there be a protection order put on that tree in the play park that is over 130 years old? on Twitter Share Has anyone considered the environmental impact of the fact there is fox dens in existence in the proposed plot of land that would be destroyed? Additionally, should there be a protection order put on that tree in the play park that is over 130 years old? on Linkedin Email Has anyone considered the environmental impact of the fact there is fox dens in existence in the proposed plot of land that would be destroyed? Additionally, should there be a protection order put on that tree in the play park that is over 130 years old? link

    Has anyone considered the environmental impact of the fact there is fox dens in existence in the proposed plot of land that would be destroyed? Additionally, should there be a protection order put on that tree in the play park that is over 130 years old?

    Ben Allen asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. We appreciate you taking time to share your concerns.  

    We have undertaken a preliminary ecological survey to identify any protected species or habitats on the site. A follow up bat roosting survey has been undertaken to understand the potential for bat roosts across the site. The details of this survey and the mitigation proposed will be included within the planning application submission. 

    Options of pruning the tree, a Norway Maple, or building the proposed affordable homes around it have been explored. Given the impact to the root protection area, it will not be possible to retain the tree and deliver the new homes. The tree has been identified as a Category B tree in an Arboricultural Impact Assessment. This means it is of moderate quality. The tree is not present in images from the 1960s. We encourage you to complete the ‘Use of public space’ survey so we can use the feedback to provide an amenity that will be valued by those who use it. 

    Check our FAQs under Information, letters and documents, for answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Share Has anyone considered turning the path on Walmer Way in front of the existing housing into an official driveable road? If the build was to go ahead (or even if it isn’t) this would be something that would alleviate parking issues as I would personally convert my front garden into a driveway. This could also simultaneously act as another vehicle access point for the proposed new housing. I would also see this as a gesture of goodwill to give something back to existing residents as this would allow me to add value to existing property that I own and offset potential loss in value to my property that may be incurred if the build were to go ahead. To complete the build it’s going to involve EDAROTH, Southern Housing, Adkins and the local Council and hopefully between all parties this suggestion could be considered on Facebook Share Has anyone considered turning the path on Walmer Way in front of the existing housing into an official driveable road? If the build was to go ahead (or even if it isn’t) this would be something that would alleviate parking issues as I would personally convert my front garden into a driveway. This could also simultaneously act as another vehicle access point for the proposed new housing. I would also see this as a gesture of goodwill to give something back to existing residents as this would allow me to add value to existing property that I own and offset potential loss in value to my property that may be incurred if the build were to go ahead. To complete the build it’s going to involve EDAROTH, Southern Housing, Adkins and the local Council and hopefully between all parties this suggestion could be considered on Twitter Share Has anyone considered turning the path on Walmer Way in front of the existing housing into an official driveable road? If the build was to go ahead (or even if it isn’t) this would be something that would alleviate parking issues as I would personally convert my front garden into a driveway. This could also simultaneously act as another vehicle access point for the proposed new housing. I would also see this as a gesture of goodwill to give something back to existing residents as this would allow me to add value to existing property that I own and offset potential loss in value to my property that may be incurred if the build were to go ahead. To complete the build it’s going to involve EDAROTH, Southern Housing, Adkins and the local Council and hopefully between all parties this suggestion could be considered on Linkedin Email Has anyone considered turning the path on Walmer Way in front of the existing housing into an official driveable road? If the build was to go ahead (or even if it isn’t) this would be something that would alleviate parking issues as I would personally convert my front garden into a driveway. This could also simultaneously act as another vehicle access point for the proposed new housing. I would also see this as a gesture of goodwill to give something back to existing residents as this would allow me to add value to existing property that I own and offset potential loss in value to my property that may be incurred if the build were to go ahead. To complete the build it’s going to involve EDAROTH, Southern Housing, Adkins and the local Council and hopefully between all parties this suggestion could be considered link

    Has anyone considered turning the path on Walmer Way in front of the existing housing into an official driveable road? If the build was to go ahead (or even if it isn’t) this would be something that would alleviate parking issues as I would personally convert my front garden into a driveway. This could also simultaneously act as another vehicle access point for the proposed new housing. I would also see this as a gesture of goodwill to give something back to existing residents as this would allow me to add value to existing property that I own and offset potential loss in value to my property that may be incurred if the build were to go ahead. To complete the build it’s going to involve EDAROTH, Southern Housing, Adkins and the local Council and hopefully between all parties this suggestion could be considered

    Ben Allen asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. We appreciate you taking time to share your ideas. 

    We understand that parking is a concern in the area and that some homes in Walmer Way do not have road access. We are not in a position to address the wider parking issues in the area. This would be for the Council to consider, in consultation with local people. We have designed the new homes to minimise the impact on the surrounding roads, with allocated parking spaces and foot access from where the garages currently stand. 

    Check our FAQs under Information, letters and documents, for answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Share Our question is why would Edaroth/Southern Housing feel it is a good decision to ruin a small playing area for youngsters in order to build eight new homes, causing a great deal of distress, for various reasons, to present residents? At the drop-in Edaroth mentioned anti-social behaviour. If there has been any, Southern Housing should take responsibility for this due to the hideous shelter which should have been dismantled years ago so that youngsters could enjoy their play area, as many did for years before this erection. on Facebook Share Our question is why would Edaroth/Southern Housing feel it is a good decision to ruin a small playing area for youngsters in order to build eight new homes, causing a great deal of distress, for various reasons, to present residents? At the drop-in Edaroth mentioned anti-social behaviour. If there has been any, Southern Housing should take responsibility for this due to the hideous shelter which should have been dismantled years ago so that youngsters could enjoy their play area, as many did for years before this erection. on Twitter Share Our question is why would Edaroth/Southern Housing feel it is a good decision to ruin a small playing area for youngsters in order to build eight new homes, causing a great deal of distress, for various reasons, to present residents? At the drop-in Edaroth mentioned anti-social behaviour. If there has been any, Southern Housing should take responsibility for this due to the hideous shelter which should have been dismantled years ago so that youngsters could enjoy their play area, as many did for years before this erection. on Linkedin Email Our question is why would Edaroth/Southern Housing feel it is a good decision to ruin a small playing area for youngsters in order to build eight new homes, causing a great deal of distress, for various reasons, to present residents? At the drop-in Edaroth mentioned anti-social behaviour. If there has been any, Southern Housing should take responsibility for this due to the hideous shelter which should have been dismantled years ago so that youngsters could enjoy their play area, as many did for years before this erection. link

    Our question is why would Edaroth/Southern Housing feel it is a good decision to ruin a small playing area for youngsters in order to build eight new homes, causing a great deal of distress, for various reasons, to present residents? At the drop-in Edaroth mentioned anti-social behaviour. If there has been any, Southern Housing should take responsibility for this due to the hideous shelter which should have been dismantled years ago so that youngsters could enjoy their play area, as many did for years before this erection.

    Walmer Way asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. We appreciate you taking time to attend the event and share your concerns.  

    We considered the availability of green space and play areas in the local area and identified that there are a number of alternative areas of open space and play space within a short walk of the site (including Golden Valley Park approx. 0.3 miles from the site). Details of this will be set out in an Open Space Assessment which will support the planning application. Notwithstanding this, there will be an area of open space retained on the site which will be enhanced as well as providing much needed additional affordable housing. 

    We have designed the new homes to improve natural surveillance of the remaining public space, which should discourage anti-social behaviour. We encourage you to complete the ‘Use of public space’ survey so we can use the feedback to provide an amenity that will be valued by those who use it. 

    Check our FAQs under Information, letters and documents, for answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Share The parking is a problem already in the area, 8 more houses is just going to escalate the problem. Has this been thought of? This is a good area for parents with younger kids to play with out going out of the way, to far from home. on Facebook Share The parking is a problem already in the area, 8 more houses is just going to escalate the problem. Has this been thought of? This is a good area for parents with younger kids to play with out going out of the way, to far from home. on Twitter Share The parking is a problem already in the area, 8 more houses is just going to escalate the problem. Has this been thought of? This is a good area for parents with younger kids to play with out going out of the way, to far from home. on Linkedin Email The parking is a problem already in the area, 8 more houses is just going to escalate the problem. Has this been thought of? This is a good area for parents with younger kids to play with out going out of the way, to far from home. link

    The parking is a problem already in the area, 8 more houses is just going to escalate the problem. Has this been thought of? This is a good area for parents with younger kids to play with out going out of the way, to far from home.

    MPC165 asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. We appreciate you taking time to share your concerns. 

    We understand that parking is a concern in the area. The new homes will each have an allocated parking space, approximately where the disused garages currently stand. This level of provision is in accordance with the Folkestone and Hythe required standards. A parking beat survey has also been undertaken which will support a planning application to ensure that the proposed level of parking as part of the development is appropriate and in line with the required standards.  

    We considered the availability of green space and play areas in the local area and identified that there are a number of alternative areas of open space and play space within a short walk of the site (including Golden Valley Park approx. 0.3 miles from the site). Details of this will be set out in an Open Space Assessment which will support the planning application. Notwithstanding this, there will be an area of open space retained on the site which will be enhanced as well as providing much needed additional affordable housing. We encourage you to complete the ‘Use of public space’ survey so we can use the feedback to provide an amenity that will be valued by those who use it. 

    Check our FAQs under Information, letters and documents, for answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Share How will the parking in Hythe Close, Walmer Way & Romney Avenue be improved with even more cars descending on the estate? What are the plans to control the congestion that will be caused by additional cars, more flow of traffic, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles and garbage trucks? on Facebook Share How will the parking in Hythe Close, Walmer Way & Romney Avenue be improved with even more cars descending on the estate? What are the plans to control the congestion that will be caused by additional cars, more flow of traffic, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles and garbage trucks? on Twitter Share How will the parking in Hythe Close, Walmer Way & Romney Avenue be improved with even more cars descending on the estate? What are the plans to control the congestion that will be caused by additional cars, more flow of traffic, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles and garbage trucks? on Linkedin Email How will the parking in Hythe Close, Walmer Way & Romney Avenue be improved with even more cars descending on the estate? What are the plans to control the congestion that will be caused by additional cars, more flow of traffic, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles and garbage trucks? link

    How will the parking in Hythe Close, Walmer Way & Romney Avenue be improved with even more cars descending on the estate? What are the plans to control the congestion that will be caused by additional cars, more flow of traffic, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles and garbage trucks?

    Walmer Way asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. We appreciate you taking time to share your concerns. 

    We understand that parking is a concern in the area. The new homes will each have an allocated parking space, approximately where the disused garages currently stand. This level of provision is in accordance with the Folkestone and Hythe required standards. A parking beat survey has also been undertaken which will support a planning application to ensure that the proposed level of parking as part of the development is appropriate and in line with the required standards.  

    Check our FAQs under Information, letters and documents, for answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions.

  • Share I strongly object to the open space and children’s play area being taken away and built on. True, it is neglected but local children have no other space nearby and it is only neglected by the landowner. I also strongly object to the destruction of the mature tree on the open space. on Facebook Share I strongly object to the open space and children’s play area being taken away and built on. True, it is neglected but local children have no other space nearby and it is only neglected by the landowner. I also strongly object to the destruction of the mature tree on the open space. on Twitter Share I strongly object to the open space and children’s play area being taken away and built on. True, it is neglected but local children have no other space nearby and it is only neglected by the landowner. I also strongly object to the destruction of the mature tree on the open space. on Linkedin Email I strongly object to the open space and children’s play area being taken away and built on. True, it is neglected but local children have no other space nearby and it is only neglected by the landowner. I also strongly object to the destruction of the mature tree on the open space. link

    I strongly object to the open space and children’s play area being taken away and built on. True, it is neglected but local children have no other space nearby and it is only neglected by the landowner. I also strongly object to the destruction of the mature tree on the open space.

    Debbie Lepine asked almost 2 years ago

    Thank you for your comments. We appreciate you taking time to share your concerns.  

    We considered the availability of green space and play areas in the local area and identified that there are a number of alternative areas of open space and play space within a short walk of the site (including Golden Valley Park approx. 0.3 miles from the site). Details of this will be set out in an Open Space Assessment which will support the planning application. Notwithstanding this, the area of open space retained on the site will be enhanced as well as providing much needed additional affordable housing. 

    Options of pruning the tree or delivering the homes without damaging it have been explored and we are looking at options to mitigate its loss. We encourage you to complete the ‘Use of public space’ survey so we can use the feedback to provide an amenity that will be valued by those who use it. 

    Check our FAQs under Information, letters and documents, for answers to some of our Frequently Asked Questions.