Rallying call to form action group

The chairman of Lenham Parish Council has called for more details about the homes scheme, as he urged residents to set up a protest group.

Cllr Richard Greenwood said: “I think it needs a lot more investigation and I am quite concerned that a village of 5,000 houses will be right up against our boundary. A lot more information needs to be given by Maidstone council.”

The chairman also stated his frustration with the council leader, Cllr Martin Cox, for suggesting the borough had earlier been in talks with parish councillors. He suggests those concerned should take action, adding: “There is no point in just saying we don’t want these houses, they have got to be digging a bit deeper.” More information about an action group is set to be revealed later this month.

Cllr Greenwood added: “Cllr Cox said he had been in touch with us but that isn’t true. We have had nothing in writing.”

The first time the parish council received official confirmation about the development was during a meeting with William Cornall, MBC’s director of regeneration and place on Thursday, September 26. The council confirmed a meeting was held with Tom and Janetta Sams, who represent Harrietsham and Lenham at Maidstone Borough Council.

Phillip Pomeroy, 64, of Lenham Heath Road, said: “We are forming a group. We live in the countryside. My neighbours are sheep and they get to within 10 feet of my back door.

“The boundary where they live will now form part of that development. We didn’t move to the countryside to be surrounded by houses.”

Maidstone council says no firm decisions have been made about the scheme.