Developers are quick off the mark

The ink has hardly dried on Maidstone council’s recently approved Local Plan, but already Roxhill Developments has submitted a new application for mixed use commercial development at Woodcut Farm in Hollingbourne.

The allocation of the area near Junction 8 of the M20, close to Leeds Castle and the North Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is in the plan and was the chief reason why the town’s two MPs made a lastditch attempt to have the plan called in by the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid. They were unsuccessful.

Roxhill’s new application is outline only, but seeks permission for up to 45,295sqm of commercial floor space across the 19-hectare site west of Musket Lane. The site lies between the M20 and the A20.

The company had a similar application refused by the council in July 2016, but that was before the adoption of the Local Plan.

The Bearsted and Thurnham Society is urging its members to write to the council opposing the scheme.

A spokesman said: “The scale and nature of this proposal would seriously erode the unspoiled character of the attractive and open countryside between Bearsted and Leeds Castle, and harm the setting of the Kent Downs AONB, Leeds Castle, Woodcut Farmhouse – a listed building – and other heritage assets.”

Roxhill had lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate on its first application, which is due to be heard at a public inquiry in February.

Application number 17/502331 refers.