A new wetland is to be created to lessen flood risk and to increase wildlife habitats.

The Northwest Kent Countryside Partnership has gained permission to create the area on farmland to the south of Grave Lane in Staplehurst.

The Staplehurst Wetland Creation Scheme will use a “leaky dam” on the Overbridge Farm Stream, which is a tributary of the River Beult, to fill the wetland in times of flooding.

A “leaky dam” is designed to permit a normal passage of water, but when the flow increases, water will spill over into a channel that leads to the wetland.

It will pass through a settling pond, before reaching the main pond. In times of very high flooding, the water will spill into a third pond on the site.

The scheme, which is on 2.2 hectares of private land owned by Richard and Louise Carpenter, is expected to attract many wild birds, but has not been welcomed by everybody.

Neighbours of the half dozen nearby homes were fearful that the scheme would bring floodwater nearer to the homes than the existing stream, possibly increasing their insurance premiums, and they were also afraid that areas of standing water would become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

But the scheme did find favour with councillors on Maidstone’s planning committee.

Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) described it as: “One of the most heartening and exciting projects I’ve seen for a long time.”

While Cllr Stuart Jeffery (Green) said: “This is exactly the sort of adaptation we need in face of climate change.”

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, visit the public notice portal.

The scheme was passed by unanimous vote.

The wetlands will not be open to the public to visit.