Villagers have raised fears over damage to the green belt following plans for new traveller site at Hextable.

The planning application - submitted to Sevenoaks District Council - would see the creation of a "six gypsy plots" on land West Of Valley Park in Lower Road, accommodating 16 caravans, 11 mobile homes, hardstanding, six utility buildings and a new access road.

Among those objecting to the scheme is Hextable Parish Council which has written to the authority stating the plan "represents inappropriate development in the Green Belt."

Their response added that they "recognise the need for further accommodation for this particular group of our residents" but went onto note concerns over increased water run-off generated from the areas of new hard-standing, which could "considerably add to the ongoing problem of the regular flooding in Lower Road and Laura Drive."

The council also noted the potential "loss of visual amenity for residents in roads off Top Dartford Road, particularly Herbert Road, caused by the loss of openness at this site."

Meanwhile other residents also objected in public comments submitted to Sevenoaks Council, noting that the plans would "destroy green belt land at the cost of wildlife" and affect house prices.

Another noted "disturbance to the neighbourhood", loss of trees and highway safety issues, adding: "I also live in the village and realise these people require a home but let's abide by the planning rules and wait for the decisions by the officer in charge and the local council."

A design and access statement in support of the application from agents Philip Brown Associates noted that the site was situated between existing "lawful gypsy sites" and represented a suitable location.

It said the site would also be bordered by hedgerows and would not be obtrusive, adding: "the proposed development would not have an unacceptable impact upon the character or appearance of this urban fringe location."

Addressing the issue of using green belt land it said: "In reality, the scarcity and cost of land within existing settlements makes it highly unlikely that sites will be found within existing settlements and highly likely that any new sites will be on land currently designated as green belt."

And it said the need for new sites had not been met, adding: "the council has had many years in which to resolve the issue of gypsy and traveller site provision but signally failed to do so."

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