A brewery's plans to build homes on land it owns behind a village pub have been met with opposition from neighbours.

Shepherd Neame is seeking permission for a development of nine properties to the rear of the Red Lion in Charing Heath in a move it says will help it "sustain its interest within the village".

The brewery, which has owned and operated the pub since 1873, is the freehold owner of the land earmarked for the new homes, which it says will "blend and contribute to the village's aesthetic".

However, villagers have responded to the plans by submitting a number of objections to Ashford Borough Council - in which some claim the Faversham brewing giant previously committed not to dispose of the land for housing.

Shepherd Neame rejects the suggestion it ever ruled out further development on the site.

Opponents say the development will reduce the amount of open land at the heart of the community, often used by dog walkers, and put further pressure on village infrastructure.

George Barnes, Shepherd Neame property and services director, said: "We do not accept the claim that we committed not to build any further homes on this land.

"The Red Lion is the only pub in the village of Charing Heath, and we appreciate its importance to the local community which is why we invested in a major refurbishment in 2019.

"Following the financial impact of Covid on our business, however, in order to fund further investments in our brewery and pub estate we have taken the decision to contribute to the requirements for new local housing by selling an area of unused land."

According to the planning statement submitted to the borough council, Shepherd Neame met with Charing Parish Council in January to discuss a proposal for five detached houses, but it was suggested any scheme would better serve the village through a mix of semi-detached houses and bungalows as outlined in the latest plans.

The proposed houses are described as "country cottages" made with traditional materials and local building styles with brick and feather-boarded frontages.

Villagers who have opposed the scheme instead want the 'heath' to be made a recognised green space for the community.

One comment of objection to the plans reads: "There are plenty of other more suitable sites along the roadways nearby which do not involve tarmacking over a valuable local asset and diverse eco-system."