Updated information for the Otterpool Park garden town, which proposes up to 8,500 homes around Westenhanger, is open for public comment until 4 November.

What has been submitted

Otterpool Park LLP, working with Homes England, has submitted updated information for the outline planning application for Otterpool Park, Folkestone & Hythe District Council announced on 6 October. The council’s planning pages record the amendments as received on 1 October 2026, under application reference Y19/0257/FH.

The outline application seeks permission for up to 8,500 homes, up to 29,000 square metres of retail and related uses and up to 87,500 square metres of employment floorspace, with the new settlement built out over 25 years or more. Otterpool Park LLP was set up by the district council to deliver the project.

The council’s Planning and Licensing Committee resolved on 4 April 2023 to grant outline permission, subject to planning conditions and section 106 agreements. The application has not yet been determined.

What has changed

The council said the update reflects “a number of minor changes and updates” presented to the community in June, and brings the application into line with the latest National Planning Policy Framework.

The application documents add a new “Tier 0” approval route for an Early Homes Parcel of up to 300 homes at Hillhurst Farm, close to Westenhanger station. It is the first area of housing planned to come forward at Otterpool Park. The documents say around 22% of the homes are expected to be affordable.

Updated parameter plans provide what the documents call “additional flexibility to support deliverability”, and reflect heritage considerations and the continued operation of the existing waste facility at Otterpool Quarry.

What they said

Cllr Jim Martin, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, said: “We continue to work closely with Homes England and Otterpool Park LLP to progress the project. These updates ensure the outline planning application reflects the changes presented to the community and supports the next stages of delivery.”

Charlotte O’Mahony, Director of Projects at Homes England, said the updates “reflect recent changes to the scheme and provide greater flexibility to help bring forward new homes while maintaining the long-term vision for the development”.

What happens next

Consultation on the amendments runs from 5 October to 4 November 2026. The documents can be viewed, and comments made, on the council’s planning register under reference Y19/0257/FH.

The detailed design of the first homes, including materials, landscaping and layout, is expected to come forward through a separate reserved matters application in late 2027, with further chances for the public to comment.

Key information

  • Application reference: Y19/0257/FH (Folkestone & Hythe District Council)
  • Comments on the amendments: 5 October to 4 November 2026
  • Proposal: up to 8,500 homes, with an Early Homes Parcel of up to 300 homes at Hillhurst Farm
  • Detailed plans for the first homes: expected late 2027

Sources