ROADS AT CAPACITY
Council’s fears if 840 homes built on traffic blackspot
An application to build 840 homes on land between two congested roads are recommended to get the go ahead.
The plans submitted to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council outline the development of two-to-five bedroom homes, a primary school, and road improvements which including funding a better link to the M20,
Gladman Developments is proposing to build the properties on a large triangle of land, bigger than 50 football pitches, which borders Hermitage Lane and the A20 London Road. The land stretches as far as near Barming train station at one corner and the Poppy Fields pub/roundabout in Allington at the other. A link road would cut through the estate from Hermitage Lane, emerging at the Poppy Fields roundabout.
The development would also feature a play area and open space.
Four parish councils, Aylesford, Ditton, East Malling and Larkfield, and Maidstone Borough Council have objected to the plans, with all of them raising concerns over the impact to the nearby infrastructure.
East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council said: “One of the arguments for releasing land in the location is to provide for the possibility of improving the local road network including access to the A20 and M20 at junction 5.
“The council would not wish to see this land released so prejudicing a comprehensive approach. A ‘fill up the next field’ piece meal approach here would have very serious consequences to the road network.” It said a clear roads strategy should be in place in the Local Plan.
MP Tracey Crouch previously advised people to object to the plan, describing it as ‘absolute barking.’ KCC plans to create a better link to the slip road at the Coldharbour roundabout.