‘Monstrous’ 1,600-home plans
Plans have been put forward to build a huge 1,600-home development on agricultural land off Hermitage Lane.
East Malling Trust (EMT) wants to create a community, dubbed Bradbourne, on 53 hectares near Kiln Barn Road.
The scheme would include a primary school and shops and be bordered by Maidstone East railway line and the Quarry Wood Industrial Estate.
The land was listed as “an area of opportunity” for development in the latest Tonbridge and Malling Local Plan submission, although the blueprint was rejected by planning inspectors. EMT says the development would include building a link road between Allington and East Malling to relieve congestion along Hermitage Lane.
Dr Oliver Doubleday, chairman of the EMT, said: “The project will enable the trust to fulfil its charitable objectives to fund the world-class horticultural science being undertaken by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany East Malling, which is helping farmers to manage the impact of climate change and support the nation’s food security.”
It is to submit an outline planning application later this year, and is inviting residents to a public exhibition next week. Borough councillor Robert Cannon (Con), who represents Ditton said: “This has come as a complete shock - not even the council leader knew anything about it. I imagine there will be strong opposition from local residents who will worry about the pressure on local infrastructure and the unsuitability of Kilnbarn Road and Hermitage Lane to take any more traffic.”
Tracey Crouch, MP for Aylesford, said: “I can’t tell you how horrified I am at such a monstrous proposal. With Gladmans’ 900 homes on Hermitage Lane, and the plans for Bushey Wood, and with others sniffing around Snodland, we simply can’t cope with more houses.” The exhibition is today (Thursday) from 1.30pm-7.30pm, at the Orchard Conference Centre, East Malling Business Centre, off New Road.