Controversial plans for 14 flats near Ashford town centre have been unanimously refused following an impassioned speech by a nearby resident.

One single-bed studio flat, five one-bedroom units and eight two-bedroom properties were proposed for scrubland in New Street.

If approved, the development would have overlooked the roundabout linking with Magazine Road, but Ashford Borough Council's planning committee rejected the scheme last Wednesday.

Councillors went against the advice of planning officers, who had recommended the plans were approved.

Developers said drivers could access the homes via a track which runs to the site from Kent Avenue.

But resident Susan Perry highlighted neighbours' concerns.

She said: "The proposed building, being four storeys high plus the roof, will tower over adjacent homes.

"Do we really want such a building, with balconies on the roundabout which will no doubt be used for washing and storage, to be on view in the major gateway to Ashford?

"The private 10-foot track at the rear is totally unsuitable to support further traffic.

'I have to say, it has gone a long way in restoring my faith in the system...' - Susan Perry

"Even if resurfaced, if this falls within the jurisdiction of the developer, it is not wide enough to support an additional 14 vehicles. "

"This track forms a right of way and rear access from both New Street and Kent Avenue properties.

"It is already used by some vehicles from those properties and by residents as pedestrians, many of whom have small children, to visit neighbours, walk to and from the town centre, school and church.

"It is their right to continue to do so safely."

BTL Developments Ltd originally submitted the plans to ABC in February last year, but tweaked the scheme before the application was debated by the planning committee.

Developers had previously proposed just nine parking spaces, but offered 14 after pushing the buildings away from the road to make more space.

They have also updated the layout and design, saying four blocks of accommodation are connected by 'communal circulation spaces'.

Having heard Ms Perry's statement, councillor Graham Galpin (Con) said: "It's not unattractive, and it's considerable better than the scrubland that's there now.

"However - and that's a big however - I do agree with Ms Perry, especially about the access road.

"While you could drive down there provided you didn't have a long vehicle, it's not the easiest access.

"If you add to that the stopping of service vehicles and garbage trucks, that's going to be a terrible approach for anyone coming from the main road."

All 15 councillors in the committee voted to refuse the proposal.

Speaking after the decision, Ms Perry said: "I have to say, it has gone a long way in restoring my faith in the system."