A council has been slammed by residents, and a member of the leading party, for holding a controversial planning meeting tonight.

Ashford Borough Council will discuss a highly contentious 725-home development proposed for a field in Kennington.

Alongside the homes will be community hub, new school and bowling club. The site and proposal are listed in the council's Local Plan.

The Conningbrook Park project, jointly led by Quinn Estates and Redrow Homes, has received more than 1,000 objections and 72 comments in support since being submitted last January.

Despite government advice against non-essential travel, and discouragement from large social gatherings, up to 82 residents are being invited to listen to proceedings at the Civic Centre.

Others interested in attending the meeting are being advised to watch a live-stream on the council's YouTube page.

Two further items on the meeting's agenda would see an additional 163 homes built if both approved.

Conservative councillor Nathan Iliffe - who represents the ward where Conningbrook Park would be built - has railed against the decision to go ahead with the meeting.

He said: "I'm absolutely unhappy that it's going ahead. It will be an assault on public safety and democracy.

"I find it quite reckless of Ashford Borough Council to hold the meeting when they know the turnout will be high.

"The sheer number of comments on the application indicates it's of huge interest to my residents and lots of them want to be there.

"It's all very well streaming it but I do believe that's broken the democratic process of them coming to see the debate themselves - many may not be able to access it as they may not have computers or fully know how to use the internet.

"I also have concerns for our councillors. A number of them are in the 'at risk' age range and many other meetings have been postponed or cancelled.

"No matter how far apart they sit, being in a room for hours together is a risk."

Cllr Iliffe also noted that a debate over Conningbrook Park - also known as Large Burton - had already been postponed previously, and he'd requested last Thursday that tonight's meeting be postponed.

Kennington resident Pamela Welbourn was set to speak at February's meeting but can now no longer attend due to being in the 'at risk' age group.

She said: "I find it very strange that the meeting to discuss the Bockhanger community hub was cancelled last week, again because of the risk of coronavirus and this one isn't.

"It seems to me that this application for Large Burton, is being rushed through when it cannot be scrutinised and debated thoroughly.

"I may be sceptical but I am convinced that the large number of people who objected to this and who all made valid points, will all be waved aside.

"It is almost guaranteed that Quinn Estates will get their application agreed by Ashford Borough Council to the detriment of Kennington, forever spoiled."

Mrs Welbourn highlighted another Planning Committee meeting is being held next Wednesday regarding the Newtown Works film studio development, also being headed by Quinn Estates.

However, the council has defended their decision to press ahead with tonight's meeting.

A spokesman said: "We are trying to maintain normal operations where possible therefore we have decided to go ahead with key decision-making committee meetings.

"These include the Planning Committee this evening and the special Planning Committee on Wednesday 25 March, held to consider the Newtown Works film and TV studios application.

"We strongly encourage members of the public to watch the broadcast at home, either live or after the event, instead of attending the Civic Centre in person.

"Those who nevertheless decide to attend the Civic Centre will realise that despite all the precautions we are taking, there is always a level of risk associated with attending a public gathering."

Special measures have been put in place, including allowing speakers to use separate microphones and spacing out attendees' seating.

Whereas normally up to 200 people can attend, the authority will turn people away if numbers exceed 82.

Anyone wanting to see later items on the agenda are asked not to attend until shortly before 8pm.

Quinn Estates has been contacted for comment.

Read more: All the latest news from Ashford

Head to our politics page for expert analysis and all the latest news from your politicians and councils