Opposition is growing to plans for 30 “affordable” homes in the Kent countryside ahead of a public meeting called by the developer.

The proposal for Chartham, near Canterbury, has yet to be submitted as a planning application but the local community is to be informally consulted about the scheme.

But already, villagers are complaining the proposals for a strip of land south of Shalmsford Street would destroy a treasured view across fields.

The meeting was called by TaylorHare Architects, so they could get feedback on the plan. However, some residents have suggested on social media that a protest against the scheme should be held.

Writing on the Chartham village notice board Facebook page, Joy Troth says: “Absolutely not! The village is already being expanded enough.

“I realise affordable housing is important but for goodness sake this is a rural village.

"Let’s fight to keep it that way.”

Philipa Ballerio says: "I am generally supportive of the fact that villages do need to 'do their bit' to provide land for new homes, after all our population is growing and 'if not here, then where?'

“However, building houses on that strip will totally remove the view across open countryside for a large number of people and it seems like this is surely not the most appropriate site in the village.”

Richard Stephens added: “This should not go ahead, and Canterbury City Council would be absent-minded to allow more homes to be built on this, or other, green land.”

Adrian Watkins even advocates a demonstration, saying: “They must be stopped. Protest en masse at the village hall.”

Speaking ahead of the meeting, parish council chairman Dr Tim Clark said that other than a line drawing showing the location and the stated ‘30 affordable homes’, he knew no more.

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