Villagers have formed an action group in response to a growing number of housing developments proposed in Ashford.

The Stubbs Cross Action Group formed in direct response to proposals to build 1,000 homes on an area of greenfield in Kingsnorth.

Described by bosses as a 'sustainable development', the new estate - dubbed Court Lodge - could built on land south of Pound Lane in Kingsnorth if planning is approved by Ashford Borough Council (ABC).

Hallam Land Management is behind the application, which also includes a two-form entry primary school, community square and healthcare provision.

Geoff Cosgrove, of Stubbs Cross, became the chairman of the action group last month.

The 61-year-old had previously chaired Detling Parish Council for 12 years before moving to the area and was nominated by villagers to lead the new group.

"We are a small hamlet, lost in the overwhelmingly rush for housing and feel that we have had enough and need a louder voice, he said.

"The group came about because of the Court Lodge planning application.

"Our rural situation is quickly being lost to the Ashford Urban Sprawl with its traffic chaos and impact of speed, vibration, noise light and sheer numbers increasing every year.

"We were concerned about traffic and the fact that we were being swamped by the developments as we also have houses going up in Chilmington Green and Kingsnorth Green.

"The roads are not structured properly and are not designed for these big developments.

"We are a victim in these developments and we are stuck in the middle of them all."

The road infrastructure is set to be improved if the development - which is included in ABC's Local Plan - gains approval.

Developers plan to erect new access routes around the site and to construct a roundabout and road near the Long Length junction.

Mr Cosgrove says the action group is against these new plans.

He added: "The roundabout in a rural situation is not appropriate, you don't see roundabouts in rural places.

"It is urbansing the area and it will encourage traffic to pass through quicker.

"We need a dual carriageway to divert traffic away from the rest of us, by putting a roundabout there, it is just encouraging traffic.

"We are starting to lose our rural identity and even in the short time I've been here I have noticed the difference."

Hallam Land Management have been contacted for a comment but have not responded.