The homes are being built in the town of Ashford in Kent (Image: PA)
The developer of 6,000 homes in a market town has sparked fury after ditching a plan to invest millions in local services and infrastructure.
People in Ashford, have vented their frustration at Hodson Developments after the firm promised £50million of funding for , and social care provisions in the area.
But now, even though the firm allegedly signed a legally binding contract known as a Section 106 Agreement with Kent County Council, it has claimed such funding has “ceased to be possible in the financial markets” and would be “prohibitively expensive and self-defeating”, reports.
The Mail adds that work has already begun on the 5,570-home Chilmington Green development, and plans have been approved for a further 665 new builds next door at Possingham Farm.
:
The development is taking place in Ashford, Kent (Image: Chris Morgan)
Speaking to MailOnline, local James Charlton, 72, a lifelong resident of the town, said: “It’s terrible. The last thing this area needs is more housing.
“It’s awful. Any developer granted permission should fulfil their obligations to provide all the services as well.
“The idea they have threatened to pull them is terrible.”
Retired building manager Michael Ross, 76, who has lived in Ashford for 50 years, described the move as “appalling”.
He added: “I think developers think they can do what they want. The considerations of local people are never thought about. It’s dreadful.
“It’s insanity to build thousands of new homes and not consider what infrastructure is needed as well.
“The idea they can threaten to pull them is very bad. The needs of locals are always just an after thought. That’s really bad.
: [REPORT] [REPORT]
Angela Rayner plans to change planning rules so more houses can be built around the country (Image: Getty)
“Public services will collapse. The roads are so busy as it is. The area will just grind to a halt. Getting anywhere is already a nightmare.
“There should be proper obligations in place to ensure these things are met. Who do they think they are?”
A spokeswoman for Kent County Council told MailOnline: “The County Council as Local Highway Authority has a duty to protect the network from the negative impacts of traffic generated by new developments.
“We will vigorously defend the legal obligations already placed upon this developer by Ashford Borough Council and ourselves to secure the necessary infrastructure to prevent the A28 from becoming permanently gridlocked.
“We are currently in negotiations with Hodsons to find a way forward, but, if necessary, will contest the issue in a Public Inquiry and a court of law.”
Hodson Developments has been contacted for comment.