A controversial bid for a housing project offering only "affordable" homes has been launched despite a backlash from concerned villagers.

Developers have submitted plans for 30 houses on farmland off Shalmsford Street in Chartham, claiming the project will have a "positive" effect on the community and local economy.

But responses to a public consultation suggest otherwise, with many residents saying the proposal "does not respect" the local countryside.

There are also concerns over road safety and pollution.

Drawings show the two-storey homes will line Shalmsford Street, opposite Brice Avenue, in rows of three or four properties.

Most will have either two or three bedrooms, with three earmarked to have four.

The picturesque site is not currently allocated for housing in the Local Plan, but TaylorHare Architects, which has drawn up the proposals, argues the development is a "logical extension" of the village and complies with planning policy.

It expects the estate - on which all homes will be "affordable" - will be bought or managed by a housing association.

It would mean the properties being sold or rented at lower than market rate to people eligible for such properties, including those on low incomes or in need of extra support.

But the plans have not been well received in the village.

In her objection to the application, neighbour Julie Hardy says the development will destroy an area of countryside enjoyed by nature.

"This is a beautiful field with nesting skylarks, badgers, migrating birds, hedgehogs and an important view as you enter Chartham," she says.

"There is much wildlife in the area, including skylarks, which I believe are a protected species...."

"It is a green field, not brown field, and the road is congested along that area at school drop-off and pick-up times. Any more traffic will cause problems."

Another neighbour, Claire Slater, added: "Chartham is in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and this application would affect that adversely.

"There is much wildlife in the area, including skylarks, which I believe are a protected species.

"The road is already unable to cope with the amount of traffic, and this will exacerbate the situation.

"Amenities in Shalmsford Street are already under pressure; local residents have constant problems with water leaks - this could only make the situation worse."

The application comes at a time when a huge scheme for 400 houses between Chartham and Thanington has been halted by a planning dispute.

Writing on the Chartham Village Facebook page, Michelle Thomas said: "And so the next planning fight begins....protect our greenland fields."

TaylorHare says its new homes have been designed to blend in with the mix of village architecture and will encourage young families to stay or move into the village, promoting "community cohesion".

Chartham Parish Council's planning committee will consider the application on January 10, when a public meeting has also been arranged to gather villagers' views.

The following day the parish council will consider how to officially respond to the plans.

Chairman Tim Clark told KentOnline: "It would be difficult to pre-empt the council’s comments, but we are aware that a large number of residents have expressed serious concerns regarding the location on a greenfield site which is adjacent to an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and at a point where there are already significant highways concerns.

"A number of boards protesting against the development have been displayed around the area which indicates local concern.

"While the Parish Council is in favour of affordable homes in principle, it would need to be in a position that does not significantly change the nature of the village as we value the green corridors in and around the village.

"In principle, we are more supportive of developing brownfield sites in the village than losing farmland. We will listen carefully to parishioners views and discuss this further at the full parish council meeting on January 11, when we will consider our recommendation as consultees."