Plans for a “diabolical” new housing estate have been submitted – despite fears it will destroy a picturesque view across the Kent countryside.

Hallam Land Management has confirmed it intends to go ahead with its scheme at Cotton Hill, Hamstreet, having officially submitted a bid for 170 homes on the land.

It comes despite angry residents expressing concern the estate would ruin views stretching for miles across the Romney Marsh and leave the roads unable to cope.

In papers submitted to Ashford Borough Council, the developer says: “Our vision is to create a high-quality, landscape-led development of new homes and community amenity space that seamlessly integrates with the village of Hamstreet.

“There is an identified shortfall in housing across the borough; as demonstrated, ABC is unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.

“Following the approval of this outline planning application, it is anticipated that final approvals will be sought to enable the commencement of infrastructure works such as road junctions, pedestrian and cycle connections, and drainage features.”

If approved, 170 homes would fill the sprawling site, ranging from one-bed to five-bed properties – though exact details are yet to be confirmed.

Developers say 40% of these would be classed as affordable and it is not expected any building should be above two-and-a-half storeys.

Alongside the housing element, the creation of the 6.5-acre Cotton Hill Park to the north of the plot has been proposed.

This would be alongside a pumping station – included in a bid to alleviate concerns regarding flooding on the land.

A new access road will be created to allow traffic to enter from Hamstreet Road while the existing Public Right of Ways will be maintained.

But critics of the scheme also highlighted concerns over damage to wildlife, a lack of infrastructure and the risk of overpopulation.

The development would increase the population of Hamstreet by about a quarter.

Home to about 1,700 people, the new estate is expected to increase that total by at least 400.

In response to the population rise, NHS Kent & Medway has requested Hallam contribute more than £146,000 to help mitigate the additional strain on nearby GP services.

Penny Hill, a retired Caravan and Motorhome Club worker, previously told KentOnline: “To build on this field would be absolutely criminal.

“You would destroy the view and also it would destroy it forever for the teenagers and for everybody else.

“It adds more traffic to the village and more strain on the services. The village just can't cope with it all.

“I think it’s absolutely diabolical.”

The Hamstreet and Ruckinge Conservation Group added: “The proposed plans are for an unsustainable and unnecessary development, which will have a significant detrimental impact on our vulnerable rural communities.

“These are already under significant strain from the recent and continuing development projects in the villages and surrounding areas.”

The land is a privately owned grass field and is thought to have not been farmed for more than a decade.

It falls within two parishes; the western part of the site sits within Orlestone Parish, while the eastern part of the site comes under the watch of Ruckinge Parish Council.

Find out about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.

KentOnline previously revealed just 0.7% of land in the Ashford borough is in use as housing.

This is the lowest percentage in the county.