Developers behind two separate housing schemes on neighbouring plots of land have been urged to work together to avoid creating two new roads off the A20.

Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee granted outline planning permission for Gladman Developments Limited’s proposal for up to 135 homes on land rear of the Swan Hotel in Charing when it met earlier this month.

Members also supported Charing Motors Limited’s outline plans for up to 17 homes on its site.

Concerns were raised about the prospect of building two new junctions onto Maidstone Road (A20) in such close proximity, although council officers suggested the two parties may work together on developing one access to serve both projects.

Speaking as ward councillor, ABC leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson (Con) said the granting of outline planning permissions would help “focus the minds” of both applicants.

He said: “It is arrant nonsense to have two entrances within such a short distance apart off of a main road like the A20.

“I would be urging our officers to be rather robust in the extreme in banging heads together – metaphorically, I might add.

"To have one junction in there should be more than adequate.”

Resident Simon Lake raised concerns about potential drainage issues which could affect the Gladman Developments Limited’s proposal, but was told the matter would be looked at “rigorously” before the reserved matters application is determined.