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Another shared space area was among ideas discussed for the new Chilmington Green development in the south west of Ashford.

The development of 7,000 homes, which is planned between Singleton and Stubb’s Cross, will be more than twice the size of Tenterden when complete.

The idea was put forward at a two-day planning event. It would see the A28 diverted through the centre of the new housing development. Drivers travelling between Tenterden and Ashford or Canterbury, who can currently travel at the national speed limit of 60mph along the A28 to the south of the Great Chart roundabout, would have to cut their speed to below 20 mph as they drive through the new High Street.

The High Street would follow the controversial concept of shared space, where traffic and pedestrians mix, which has been adopted in Elwick Road.

Richard Alderton, head of planning and development at Ashford Borough Council, said: “It will be like going through Tenterden. Speeds will slow down to 10 or 15 or 20 miles an hour.

“It will enable you to perhaps decide to stop and buy a newspaper and pint of milk and if you’re travelling from Ashford to Tenterden, perhaps it’ll add two minutes to your journey.”

Not everyone at the consultation events held in Shadoxhurst and Singleton on Thursday evening was convinced.

Michael Bowers, who has lived in Chilmington Green Road for 25 years and whose grade two listed home will be surrounded by new housing described the idea of diverting the A28 as “absolutely absurd”.

Planners stress that designs are in the ideas stage and likely to change. They also say they are listening to what residents want.

For more on this story, see Thursday's Kentish Express