Part of a playing field could be swallowed up if a planning application to build homes on the site is given the go-ahead.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) is looking to build 17 apartments for affordable rent on an existing area of open green space in South Ashford.

The development could be built on the recreation ground between Halstow Way and Noakes Meadow, behind the St Simon Stock Catholic Church in Brookfield Road.

Proposals include apartments ranging from one to four-bed as well as 37 car park spaces.

Residents have expressed concerns about the loss of green space.

Jonathan Woodford, who lives in Allen Field, said: "I am not happy with this planning, the football court is used by children in the area and I use it everyday to walk my dogs.

"Considering this is the only green we have it is a joke that it's being used for flats.

"Victoria Park should not be the only green space you can visit."

David Brent, who lives nearby in Beaver Lane, agreed, saying: "This proposal wants to build on recreation ground and in the summer it is alive with families enjoying the grass.

"There is also no buildings in the area that are over two storeys high."

In a planning application, the council states it intends to deliver good quality homes using the land is already owns, in areas with established infrastructure, accessibility and connections.

Cllr Ryan MacPherson has criticised the development proposed for his ward.

He said: "I feel the residents have been punished enough.

"I have spoken to the residents and one guy told me that he would move away if it was to go ahead.

"There isn't a lot of green space already as it it a built up area. You can't get the land back once it is gone."

Cllr MacPherson also expressed concerns about the road infrastructure.

He added: "The road in Halstow Way is not really fit for this kind of development.

"It appears that they're intending on using the same road and you can't get two cars down there at the same time.

"Even if they did modify the road, there is still not enough parking bays and it could lead to potential overflow."

To view the application, visit www.ashford.gov.uk and search for the 18/01508/AS reference.