Plans to build 14 new homes near Wye train station have been rejected over fears residents would have poor quality of life – but could still see the light of day.

The scheme for the former goods yard at Bramble Lane was unanimously rejected by Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee last Wednesday.

However, it the outcome of the application will be determined by a planning inspector, with applicant Pathway Project 1 Limited having already submitted an appeal due to non-determination.

The scheme did not include a pedestrian access, meaning locals would have to walk through the train station car park to get home.

Parish councillor Richard Bartley told members: “(This is an) unsafe and harmful application. It’s dismal in poor-quality design, and it’s lack of basic amenities.

“This is a cramped development on a noisy site beside a busy 80mph railway line, and access on a doubtful legal and certainly physically impractical basis through a congested unlit car park with no pavement.

“It’s on a sub-standard junction, on a bend with poor sight lines, which is prone to flooding and inconsiderate parking.”