Save Wincheap Orchards & Fields is a community campaign opposing “Merton Park”, a development of nearly 2,000 homes proposed in Canterbury City Council’s draft Local Plan (Policy C10). The site covers more than 100 acres of green space behind Wincheap, stretching from Hollow Lane towards Thanington and the A2. It includes historic orchards with an estimated 16,000 fruit trees, wildlife habitats, well-used public footpaths and open views of Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The plan would increase the number of homes in Wincheap ward by around 82%.
The campaigners are clear that they are not against new housing, but believe this is the wrong place for it. They point to the effects on traffic and air pollution, water and sewage, wildlife and public access, and note that the scheme offers very little affordable or social housing. They also feel the Council’s consultation failed to reach most local people. In March 2026 the Council voted by 23 votes to 12 to publish the Local Plan for its final (Regulation 19) consultation, to which the campaign submitted a detailed response. The plan has since been sent to the Government for examination, and a planning inspector is expected to visit before the end of 2026. The campaign has the support of local MP Rosie Duffield.
Find out more and get involved
- Save Wincheap Orchards & Fields website: background, the case against, videos and events
- Donate to the campaign’s Crowdfunder
- Join the campaign’s Facebook group