Protest as farmland housing plans go to inquiry

Campaigners have gathered outside a planning inquiry which is looking into plans for up to 150 homes in a Kent village, amid residents' concerns about development on agricultural land.

The proposal by Taylor Wimpey South East for land west of Norwood Lane in Meopham includes housing, affordable homes, public open space and associated works.

Residents raised concerns about housing development across Meopham and Istead Rise. They said the plan was among several proposals in the Local Plan which would be built on agricultural fields.

Gravesham Borough Council and Taylor Wimpey said they could not comment before the hearing, but Taylor Wimpey said it would continue to engage with the community.

Campaigners said the land was a triangular field with housing on one side and narrow lanes on the other two.

Meopham resident Caroline Halfpenny said the main concern was that roads and services needed to support the development were "just not in place".

She questioned whether the development was sustainable and safe, raising concerns about hospital capacity, GP availability, schools, social clubs and congested roads.

She said plans suggested people would walk to the station, but argued residents would take a shorter route which was not proposed by the developer and followed a narrow, rural lane with no pavement.

"We welcome appropriate development in brownfield sites, which will regenerate an area," Halfpenny said, "but this site is aimed at an affluent market, not addressing local needs."

The outline planning application submitted last year said proposals included market and affordable homes, vehicle and pedestrian/cycle access and open space including areas for children to play.

Plans included pedestrian connections, hedgerow enhancement, planting and landscaping and associated infrastructure.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesperson said: "With the public inquiry due to open, it would not be appropriate for us to comment on the proposals or the matters that will be considered as part of the inquiry.

"We recognise the strength of local feeling, and will continue to engage with the council, the local community and other stakeholders throughout the process."

The council said it was inappropriate to comment ahead of the inquiry.

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