The speed limit on one of the busiest roads in a Kent town is set to be lowered to 30mph as a result of ongoing house-building in the town.

Kent County Council wants motorists to slow down on the stretch of the A251 in Faversham between Aldi and the junction with the A2.

The move comes after the authority completed its £1.6 million overhaul of the junction late last year, with three-way traffic lights now managing the flow of vehicles.

Following the launch of Aldi two years ago, and the neighbouring Perry Court housing development, more pedestrians are making their way along the footpath of the A251.

A number of new residential estates are also planned for the area, with the huge 2,500-home Duchy of Cornwall project primed to be built in the south-east of the town.

KCC therefore hopes to make the route - starting from Tettenhall Way - safer ahead of the heightened development.

A council spokesperson said: “In light of planned development in the area leading to an expected rise in traffic and pedestrian activity, it is thought a 30mph speed limit would be more in keeping with the area than the current 40mph limit.

“A consultation formally opened on February 4 and anyone who wants to share their views about these proposals is encouraged to get in touch.”

Swale councillor Eddie Thomas (Lib Dem) is all for the proposed speed reduction, and says residents are also backing the scheme.

"It's very welcome news and residents we've spoken to are very pleased," he said.

"It's much more appropriate for that stretch to be to 30mph as we've got residential on both sides.

"We want to get people living on Perry Court into the town safely, whether they be pedestrians on foot or on mobility scooters."

The reaction online to the launch of the consultation has divided opinion, with most people saying the 30mph plan is "long overdue".

Commenting on Facebook, resident Kevin Stacey said: "Good move. Love Lane needs reducing too - housing on both sides now. And a junction obscured by a bus stop. Not to mention the narrow bridge over the railway which is at a bit of an angle."

But Robert Barker added: "Great, so you’re going to make the likelihood of being rear-ended even greater. What a waste of money as usual."

To share your thoughts on the proposed speed reduction, visit letstalk.kent.gov.uk.

The consultation will close on Monday, February 28 at 12pm.