Concern over green buffer zone and protected reserve

In a statement, an Ashford Borough Council spokesman said: “There is no question that there is a need for improved primary health facilities in this part of the borough to serve both existing residents and future residents of the garden community.

“The proposed site is on the green buffer zone, a protected area of landscaped open space set out in the Local Plan between Kingsnorth village and the proposed new Kingsnorth Green development to the south.

“The applicant has also not provided any mitigation as part of the application against the Stodmarsh habitats issue, which affects not only this area, but many parts of east Kent.

“Therefore the council has refused this application.

“We will continue to work

closely with NHS Kent and Medway CCG, which leads in developing the strategy for the current and future health needs of local residents.”

Following the council’s rejection of the scheme, Dr Kelly issued a statement, saying: “KMP staff and patient representatives are all extremely disappointed that, despite the overwhelming support of our primary care network colleagues, commissioners and our local MP, the ward member for Kingsnorth village didn’t see fit to allow us the opportunity to present this at planning committee.

“Two years ago, Ivy Court Surgery in Tenterden needed to launch an appeal for the committee to overturn the planning officer’s decision.

“I believe at the time it was reported that the leader of the council quite rightly declared that planning policies were there for our guidance and not blind obedience.

“I can only hope the committee will adopt a similar approach in considering our case on appeal.”

KMP bosses say they are “extremely disappointed”