Proposals for a development of 2,500 homes on Prince William’s Duchy of Cornwall estate are set to be approved – despite opposition by angry residents.
The Duchy of Cornwall is a property portfolio covering nearly 130,000 acres over 20 counties in the UK, set up in 1337 to provide an income for the heir to the throne.
The estate hopes to construct the new housing development, known as South East Faversham, on its land near Brenley Corner, Kent, between the M2 and A2.
Its plans to build on the 340 acres of farmland near the market town of Faversham, which has a population of just 20,000, have been met with scorn by locals.
Hundreds of letters registering official objections have flooded in and residents have even taken to the streets to march in protest.
But despite this, officers from Swale Borough Council (SBC) have now recommended councillors approve the scheme, which would be rolled out across the next 20 years.
As well as housing, it would also include shops, a primary school, sports pitches, a healthcare centre and upgrades to major roads in and around the town.
The development would build over Faversham Town FC’s training ground, though not its current Third Generation (3G) first team astroturf pitch.
It would also see the existing Faversham Cricket Club pitch bulldozed over.
A 225-page report on the decision argues the benefits of building the homes are ‘substantial and wide-ranging’.
‘The scheme performs well in respect of providing affordable homes, in addition to directing development to sustainable locations and securing well-designed places,’ the papers say.
While it is acknowledged the harm to the area ‘is significant’, the documents note it would not ‘outweigh the benefits, let alone significantly’.
If approved as expected, full planning permission will be given for phase one.
This would see the construction of up of 261 homes, a water recycling centre, 29 commercial units and an access road to the A2.
Outline permission will be granted for the remainder of the project, though this will be subject to a series of future applications as and when conditions have been met.
The development has been in the works for years, dating back to when the current King Charles III was head of the Duchy, as then-Prince of Wales.
The Duchy is stewarded by the royal next in line to the throne – currently Prince William. It also confers on him the title of Duke of Cornwall.
The estate gives him an annual income of more than £20million, from the profits it generates. The exact figure stood at £22.9million, for the 2024-25 financial year.
He uses this to support his family, household staff and his official and charitable work.
The Prince voluntarily pays income tax on revenue from the property portfolio, after deducting official expenditure on his family.
The estate claims a Crown exemption, meaning its steward is not legally liable to pay income or corporation tax on its revenues. He pays income tax by choice.
William has chosen not to disclose how much he pays – and it is not a requirement to do so.
But his private secretary Ian Patrick has previously said he ‘pays the highest rate of income tax’.
His father Charles, by contrast, chose to disclose how much he paid when he headed the Duchy as Prince of Wales – namely £5.9million for the year ending 2022.
Inheriting the Duchy has made William the biggest private landowner in Britain.
It gives him a £1.2 billion holding including farms, housing developments, seven castles, woodland, coastlines and commercial property.
An official bid for the development in Kent was was only submitted two years ago.
But consultations for the scheme date back to 2018, when it was first unveiled as part of a call for land from the council.
And the Duchy acquired the sprawling plot nearly 25 years ago.
It has previously said South East Faversham will include ‘a diverse mix of housing’, with at least 875 affordable homes, of which 437 will be for social rent.
Developers will focus on two- and three-bedroom homes, alongside options for key workers and private renters.
They have also said half the development will be made up of open green space.
Bosses have insisted it will benefit the town and are prepared to contribute millions of pounds to the area.
This comes as part of a Section 106 (S106) agreement – a contract with the local planning authority to mitigate impacts on the community and its infrastructure.
But it has not stopped residents from reacting negatively, with scores of campaigners protesting in the street in February last year.
The 30-strong group took to Faversham High Street with banners proclaiming ‘Hedgehogs Not Houses’ and ‘Feed Your People, Not Your Pockets’.
The organisation, called Farms, Fields and Fresh Air, marched to the town’s community centre.
Some wore King Charles face masks and waved Monopoly money, as they carried leaflets and placards proclaiming ‘Stop the Duchy’.
Neighbouring parish councils have joined them to voice their opposition to the development.
Concerns include traffic chaos, increased air pollution and additional pressure on services like doctors’ surgeries.
If councillors follow officer advice, final approval would be issued once legal agreements securing affordable housing and infrastructure contributions are signed.
Ben Murphy, estates director for the Duchy of Cornwall, has previously said: ‘From the very beginning, we have been committed to involving the Faversham community at every step of this project, which is designed to meet local housing needs in the most sustainable way.
‘We look forward to continuing this conversation with the community, including through a number of local events which give residents the opportunity to engage directly with the team, ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of what South East Faversham will bring to the area.
‘If approved, South East Faversham can become a thriving, sustainable community designed for present and future generations.
‘With 2,500 new homes-including over 875 affordable homes, 437 of which will be for social rent, we’re helping to ease the housing crisis that is leaving too many vulnerable young families struggling to find a secure, affordable place to call home.
‘Alongside 2,500 new jobs, sports facilities, playgrounds, improved transport links, health facilities, and a brand-new primary school, South East Faversham can become a place where everyone flourishes.
‘Half the neighbourhood will be dedicated to green space-woodlands, meadows, parks, and allotments-delivering a 20 per cent biodiversity net gain, well above the national average.
‘Sustainability is at the heart of our vision, with renewable energy, EV charging, and a water recycling centre ensuring cleaner, healthier living for all.’
The Duchy of Cornwall and Swale Borough Council have been contacted for comment.
