Last-ditch bid to halt Local Plan

Continued from page 1 proposals to the detriment of one of our finest national heritage sites, Leeds Castle.”

On the lack of infrastructure provision, she said: “I am concerned the plan does not include sufficient investment in the local transport network to support the scale of development to the south and south east of Maidstone.

“Many thousands of houses are being built in this area, without meaningful development of roads or any alternative to car transport – congestion is already affecting the ability to travel to and from work or access services in and around Maidstone.”

Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) has also asked Mr Javid to call in the plan – intended to shape development in the area until 2031 and includes provision for an extra 17,660 homes.

CPRE director Hilary Newport said: “The planning inspector paid scant attention to reports from two previous inspectors on the Kent International Gateway and Waterside Park inquiries, both rejecting proposals for development near Junction 8 of the M20.”

The Local Plan has already been through a public examination by a government inspector and the version with his amendments included is due to be considered by the council next week.

But the inspector’s report is only a recommendation and the council has the ability to reject it.