Controversial plans to roll out a sewage plant to treat 6,000 new homes have been thrown out following concerns over “intolerable odours”.

Hodson Developments hoped to build the site in Shadoxhurst near Ashford as part of its sprawling Chilmington Green housing project.

But the prolific London housebuilder’s scheme was dealt a blow after Ashford Borough Council (ABC) planning committee members refused permission.

Campaigner Andy Geer, of nearby Tally Ho Road, has long spoken out against the proposed treatment plant and welcomed the decision.

Speaking after ABC's crunch decision on Tuesday, he told KentOnline: “I couldn’t believe that the River Beult was even being considered when it’s a site of specific scientific interest.

“I’m grateful to Ashford Borough Council for giving the matter a proper debate and I’m very happy with the outcome; it’s a huge sense of relief for all residents.

“We understand the project will happen, but we must find a compromise, and residents would like to work with Hodson to find that.”

The plant was proposed for land between Chilmington Green Road and Tally Ho Road in Shadoxhurst near Ashford.

Hodson said the project was “a vital part” of the proposed “exemplar garden village,” as it would be responsible for the flow from the 5,750 new homes at the site.

However, ABC planning committee members refused the application because of the risk of significant environmental impact, noise pollution, and impact on the visual landscape.

Planning officers had recommended approval of the scheme despite the nearly 300 objections listed on the council’s portal.

Hodgson is the lead company behind the 5,750-home development in Chilmington Green.

After problems in the Stodmarsh catchment prevented using the Southern Water facility, a new way to deal with wastewater was required.

Speaking at the ABC planning meeting, Tom Hodson, of Hodson Developments, said it was vital that a solution be found.

“For nearly 15 years, we have been a part of delivering the Chilmington Green development, and in that time, we have delivered part of what I believe to be an exemplary garden village,” he said.

“The plant we will deliver will be state of the art, built and independently operated to the highest standards; we will not let you or the local community down. A vote in favour is vital for the future of Chilmington.”

“The responsibility on us all to continue to deliver this development for those families who currently live at Chilmington and to avoid the site from stalling is incredibly significant, and we must not let them down without doubt Hodson Development needs your support tonight.”

Committee members stated they were unwilling to accept the amount of risk involved with allowing the scheme to continue.

Cllr Neil Bell (Con) proposed the motion to refuse the application at the meeting, adding: “I’m aware ABC desperately wants the houses at Chilmington Green built, and with good reason.

“However, I’m not prepared to risk odours from this water treatment plant affecting local residents, some of whom have been there for decades; I think it would be absolutely intolerable.

“This had already been deferred perhaps too many times, and we must judge the application before us.

“My inclination is that we move to reject this and that council pushes ahead with alternative solutions.”

The plan to use a seasonal stream in the River Beult raised eyebrows because there is a lack of flowing water to carry the effluent all year round.

Concerns were also raised over the lack of work on the A28 bypass road, which was a section 106 requirement of the original 5,750-home application.

The project is supposed to perform vital upgrades to the section of the A28 between Matalan and tank roundabouts.

Money for the changes is supposed to be available when 400 homes are occupied, which is on the horizon as currently 300 have tenants.

However, Hodson previously submitted an appeal to the planning inspectorate that seeks to vary or delete a significant number of its current requirements in its section 106 agreement.

When the project designed to relieve the heavily congested route was first announced, it was set to cost £26.2 million, but “inflationary pressures” mean this has now risen to £30 million.

Cllr Campkin (Green) touched on a lack of confidence in the application and the concerns surrounding the bypass work that was supposed to begin in 2018 after scores of trees were felled along to stretch in preparation.

He said: “I believe we have a duty of care to the environment and the people. Dumping sewage in the water may be legal, but it's the wrong thing to do, and we know it is; I believe we are responsible for making a stand against that.

“We are being asked to make a decision not to pass the buck to other organisations or the weather; fining an organisation afterwards does not reverse the crime or reverse the damage.

“I would also like to point out, as the public has mentioned, that we still don’t have our bypass. Despite reassurances, trust is low in the room.”

The motion to refuse saw 10 votes for and one abstention.