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Kent Housing Plan Delayed Over Ancient Woodland Fears
15 Nov
Summary
- A Kent housing development decision has been repeatedly delayed.
- Concerns center on potential ancient woodland and protected species.
- Over 1,400 objections have been filed against the proposed estate.
A planned 65-home housing estate in Kings Hill, Kent, faces further delays as the Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has again postponed a decision. The application, initially approved in 2024, was unanimously deferred last week by the planning committee. Councillors requested planning officers work with the developer to revise the development boundaries.
The revised plans must exclude an area potentially containing ancient woodland and include a buffer zone. This issue, along with water supply concerns, was previously raised in September, leading to an initial deferral. An ecologist has stated the woodland is likely ancient, offering protection for species like dormice, bats, and reptiles.
Over 1,400 objections have been submitted to the council since the proposal was first put forward in 2021. The developer insists the project will result in a sustainable development in an appropriate location. Failure to decide within a specific timeframe could allow developers to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate.
