Residents have hit out at a developer’s plans to “maximise” the potential of a green space in their cul-de-sac – by building a bungalow on it.

People living in Johnson Court, Faversham, say the proposals to upheave a 20ft mature tree to make way for the new home are “massively devastating”.

Kathleen O’Brien, 61, told KentOnline it will “completely change the way the area looks”.

“We look out our windows right now and you’ve got a little bit of the countryside – a green area which is important for all of us,” she said.

“There is no consideration for our threatened environment in these days of climate crisis, nor for the impact on local residents.”

Plans to build on the land were previously withdrawn by the same developer in December last year after a similar backlash from residents.

Ms O’Brien, who has lived in Johnson Court for three years, said: “We worked so hard to oppose it the first time around – here we are again having to fight it.”

If it had been approved, the original plan would have seen a two-bed bungalow pop up on the land – with no clear concession in place for the Swedish Whitebeam tree which currently resides on the plot.

Johnson Court, a 14-home estate, was built in the late 1960s, while three trees on the land are believed to have been planted at least 40 years ago.

While there are now hopes of moving the Whitebeam across to a second piece of land separated from the other plot by an access path, doubts have been cast over the viability of this.

Ms O’Brien added: “The idea that they can dig that tree up seems impossible and even if they did there’s no way the poor thing wouldn’t die. It would cost tens of thousands of pounds to move it competently.”

Despite the uproar, Dream Design Develop says the scheme would “maximise the site’s potential and result in efficient and viable use of the existing site”.

In papers submitted to Swale Borough Council, the firm writes: “It complements the neighbouring properties and does not have a detrimental impact on the surrounding context.

“Our plan includes relocating an existing tree with the utmost care and expertise.

“The urban grain of the surrounding area remains relatively consistent, which creates an opportunity to improve the character and appearance of the site.”

Faversham town councillor Eddie Thomas described the planning application as “awful”.

“They’re going to squeeze a bungalow on a small plot of land and really ruin the area for the people who live here already,” said Cllr Thomas.

“Another house isn’t needed here. We may need houses – but not here.”

Tina Jackson says the green space was a major factor in her decision two years ago to buy her property in the area, which she plans to renovate.

“We look over all of this from our house – our view is fantastic. All we see is trees so the thought of losing that is not good,” she said.

“It’ll be massively devastating. There are so many things not being considered here.

“The upheaval it’d cause bringing materials in, trying to remove the tree, the disruption to people’s lives – it’s terrible.”

The deadline for public comments is Friday, September 15, and can be made by viewing Swale Borough Council’s planning portal with the reference number 23/503547/FULL.

Dream Design Develop has been contacted for comment.