More than a dozen neighbours have objected to a planned new convenience store for Ashford.

Full planning permission is being sought to create a 400 sq metre shop along Loudon Way, on the Godinton Park estate.

If approved the store would be built in the car park of The New Chimneys pub and restaurant, meaning 30 car parking spaces would be lost.

The car park, which is private, is currently used by customers and visitors to the pub, the nearby shops, Godinton Village hall and Godinton Primary School.

The opening of the store would also create 20 jobs – 10 part time and 10 full time.

In total, 70 people have been consulted on the proposal, which is being put forward by Marrons Planning 1, with 15 so far objecting.

Concerns stem from the extra traffic the scheme would create, and the number of car parking spaces it would take up.

"This will also increase the amount of traffic on Loudon Way which has become heavier since the link road to Repton Park opened." Neighbour Gerald Clark

There are also fears it will steal trade from the existing shop on the estate.

Neighbour Gerald Clark said: “I strongly object to these plans. There is already a shop very near to where this one would go so why would we want another one?

“This would more than likely put the existing shop out of business.

“We should be helping small businesses to thrive not driving them out.

“This will also increase the amount of traffic on Loudon Way which has become heavier since the link road to Repton Park opened.

“It will reduce the parking spaces in the car park which has been used as a public amenity for a good number of years. This will be made worse when the parents of the school find they cannot park there so then park on Loudon Way causing more congestion.

“It will also increase the risk of accidents on Loudon Way – there have been several already.”

Pauline Ripton, from Godinton Park, said: “We do not want extra lorries, vans etc delivering to another shop, or anything else for that matter which is not needed or wanted.”

But Costas Constanti, owner of The New Chimneys pub and restaurant, however, supports the development.

He said: “I own the lease to the car park, but it is not me developing it, the landlord is.

“I’m all for it. It will tidy the place up and create jobs.

“It will also stop the people who use the car park at night – who race in it.”

The consultation on the application will stay open until Sunday, August 30.

It is expected to go before the planning meeting in September.

For more information go to planning.ashford.gov.uk and search 15/01032/AS.

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk