‘Not our hidden gem’ locals cry as garden centre faces CLOSURE to make way for more houses in ‘sad loss’

DEVASTATED locals cried out “not our hidden gem” as their beloved garden centre is put at risk to make way for MORE houses.

The proposal to knock down Dillywood Garden Centre, in Medway, Kent has sparked backlash, as residents slam new plans for 12 four-bed homes.

Fans have hailed the independent “great value” garden centre for years, while raving about its “excellent” tea and cake.

The social hub is now at risk as Medway Council considers an application by Planning Insight, on behalf of Provectus Developments.

The controversial developer wishes to demolish the nursery in a bid for more housing in the area, as reported by KentOnline.

Their application stat,ement read: “The continued use of the site as a garden centre is no longer viable.

“The comprehensive development proposal makes efficient and effective use of the existing under-utilised garden centre.

“The new houses would not result in significant harm to or the loss of public or private land that contributes positively to the local character of the area.”

TRAFFIC HELL

But, residents fear more housing will stretch already narrow roads in the area to their limit, and create travel chaos.

Elizabeth Turpin, ward councillor for Strood Rural, explained: “Dillywood Lane is incredibly narrow, so more transport potentially there is concerning.

“With multiple cars per dwelling, it’s likely to therefore cause problems as it’s not a location where you can really live there without a car.”

The local said it would “be a shame” if Dillywood was forced to pull down the shutters for good, blasting the “job losses”.

Meanwhile, Parish clerk Emma Johnson argued another housing development would be “unsustainable” down the “single-track road”.

The concerned official was worried about the increased traffic flow “with limited passing places”.

“There was also concerns for the development being on green belt land, and councillors also wished to question whether the old Medway Railway Tunnel runs through this site and if this had been investigated,” she added.

Frindsbury Extra Parish Council has also objected to the plans over traffic fears.

HIDDEN GEM

A disappointed local posted: “Be a shame to see the garden centre go, it’s a great little shop.

“We’ve always used them as its much cheaper than some other local ones.

“The people who work there are all so lovely too.”

Another raved about the location: “There was a nice range of gifts and plants and somewhere to have tea and cake”

Someone else wrote: “The food is excellent the shop it self a hidden gem, by that I mean hard to find – but well worth the trip.”

“The cafe is fantastic and great value,” praised a fourth.

COUNCIL FEARS

It comes after developers originally submitted an application for 36 houses but were advised to scale back the plans.

Medway Council rejected the large number for multiple reasons such as highway safety and flooding.

If Provectus Developments is given the green-light, the controversial new homes will each have three car-parking spaces.

There will also be an additional 48 cycle slots on the estate.

It is expected a decision will be made by May 20.

This comes after Kent locals were fuming over a neighbour’s “alien” cabin.

They maintain the structure was put up without permission and has turned their area into a “shopping mall”.

There have been angry protests after the property sales cabin was put up at a Kent beauty spot.

Elsewhere in Kent, a hotelier became so worried about a next-door pub being demolished for newbuild homes, he has bought it himself.