A garden centre owner fears a month-long road closure will cost him £150,000 as work linked to a major housing development gets underway.
Edward Boult, who runs Tenterden Garden Centre, is among more than 1,600 people who have signed a petition opposing the closure of Appledore Road until Sunday, August 30.
Business owners including Tenterden Garden Centre’s Edward Boult, far left, are concerned the closure of Appledore Road in Tenterden
Campaigners say shutting the main route between Tenterden and Romney Marsh for four weeks will hit businesses, disrupt commuters and make it harder for residents to access work, healthcare and other essential services.
The closure came into force yesterday (Monday), and an official diversion of about 11 miles has been put in place while the works are carried out.
The project – led by UK Power Networks (UKPN) – forms part of housebuilder Vistry’s plans for 141 homes between Appledore Road and Woodchurch Road, which was approved on appeal in 2022.
Utility connections, drainage works, new street lighting and resurfacing will require excavations across the full width of the carriageway during the closure.
Kent County Council (KCC) says it will carry out additional inspections of the works and diversion routes while working with the developer to minimise disruption where possible.
Appledore Road in Tenterden will be closed until August 30, with resurfacing works the last to take place on the route
But Mr Boult, who has lived in the area for 27 years, fears the move could cost his business – which is based on Appledore Road – about £150,000.
The figure is based on the losses the garden centre suffered during previous road closures, with Mr Boult warning a four-week disruption in August could have an even greater impact.
“We were expecting deliveries, but we’ve had to contact them and let them know about the closure or reschedule,” he said.
“It’s a major arterial route in a rural location. We could live with a shorter closure, but four weeks is ridiculous.
“This could kill us. It’ll cost us thousands of pounds in trade, all to save money and have the road shut for a month.”
Scores of residents have signed a petition against the month-long closure of Appledore Road in TenterdenTenterden Garden Centre is based on Appledore Road. Picture: Google
Mr Boult’s wife, Joanna, launched the online petition against the scheme, urging KCC to explore less disruptive alternatives.
“We support the resurfacing and essential repairs, but we simply believe there is a better way to carry out the work without closing Appledore Road for four weeks,” she said.
“Could a traffic management plan be implemented that keeps the traffic flowing while allowing the works to be completed safely?
“This will affect thousands who rely on this road for work, childcare, healthcare and everyday journeys. Vulnerable people will be isolated by this.
“Independent traders will also be hit particularly hard. August is one of the busiest months for visitors, and this closure will cause a significant financial impact.”
Mrs Boult also fears many drivers will ignore the official diversion – which takes motorists via Hamstreet and Brenzett – and instead follow sat-navs along narrow country lanes not designed to cope with large volumes of traffic.
Joanna Boult started the petition against the Appledore Road closure in Tenterden
As part of Vistry’s planning permission for the 141 homes, new traffic-calming measures, a reduction in the speed limit to 30mph and street lighting were secured.
Cllr Peter Osborne (Reform), KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, says he understands residents’ concerns about the disruption.
He said: “KCC will be carrying out additional inspections and monitoring of the works, as well as checks on diversion routes and signage, particularly Preston Lane, which will be signed as unsuitable for diverted traffic.
“The most disruptive phase involves drainage and utility connections, which require excavations across the full width of the road.
“National safety requirements are in place to protect both road users and construction workers.
The closure of the Appledore Road in Tenterden began on Monday
“Because of the nature of these works, it is not possible to safely keep the road open or carry out the work only overnight.
“We know this will be inconvenient. Local access for residents will be maintained during the first week of the programme, but during a two-week period residents will need to use the signed diversion route while drainage and power connection works are completed.
“We have been liaising with the emergency services regarding access arrangements during this time and will continue to work with the developer to minimise disruption wherever possible.”
A UKPN spokesman apologised for the disruption caused by the essential works.
The entrance to the site for 141 homes in Appledore Road, TenterdenResidents have long called for Appledore Road in Tenterden to be resurfaced
They said: “For safety reasons, a full road closure is required.
“We have worked closely with the housing developer and the local authority to plan the works during the school holidays, alongside other organisations, to help reduce the impact on traffic and the community.
“We will complete the work as quickly as possible and maintain access for residents and businesses wherever we can, with our site team available to help with access requests.”
Developer Vistry held a public meeting with residents before the works began.
It says it will continue to “engage with residents” throughout the programme.
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