Two villages have joined forces in a bid to protect surrounding farmland from being swallowed up by new housing and infrastructure.

People living in Boughton-under-Blean and Dunkirk fear the "green gap" is under threat and that proposed estates could transform them into a "suburb of Faversham".

But now the areas' parish councils have produced a joint Neighbourhood Plan – which has been adopted following a local referendum.

Of 25 sites put forward by developers for potential housing in the parishes, it has deemed only one – for up to 12 new properties off Colonel's Lane – "sustainable".

Dunkirk parish councillor Jeff Tutt, who chairs the Neighbourhood Plan group, said: "Obviously, we are concerned about the boundaries of Faversham being expanded by new housing and pushing into Boughton.

"We want to maintain the green gap."

However, developer Shaptor Capital has already announced it is eyeing up 180 acres of farmland straddling the A2 at Dunkirk to create a new community of 1,740 homes, 40% of which will be classed as affordable.

The firm's vision for the estate, called Winterbourne Fields, was revealed in October, but it has this week submitted early proposals for the site to Swale Borough Council (SBC).

Papers show the new "village" could be equipped with shops, a two-form entry primary school, a 160-home retirement community and GP surgery.

Dunkirk Parish Council chairman Kevin Kemp said on Wednesday the authority will not formally comment on the proposals until a full planning application is submitted.

But he told KentOnline last year: "Many parishioners have been telling us their concerns about the impact the development would have and are very worried about it.

“Of course, we have serious concerns about the whole concept.”

If given the go-ahead, Winterbourne Fields would be created on 180 acres of “mostly low-grade” farmland straddling the dual-carriageway between Canterbury and Faversham.

It is hoped that up to 40% of the homes would be classed as ‘affordable’ and another 160 dwellings would be made available in a retirement community.

Developers have earmarked a 60-acre plot of land dedicated to green and amenity open space, including a 5km recreation trail, multiple outdoor sports pitches and a community park.

The project - first publicised in 2020 - would also offer an upgraded junction onto the A2 and a new bridge to be used by pedestrians and cyclists as well as a green transport hub.

Fitted with electric vehicle charging points for 36 cars, the green transport hub could possibly have its own airport-style coffee lounge for bus passengers.

The land is not currently designated for housing in Swale Borough Council’s Local Plan, something which has raised concerns amongst existing villagers.

Residents are also worried about the Duchy of Cornwall's plans for 2,500 houses on a site beside the A2 at between Love Lane and Brenley Corner.

Thirty-five per cent of that land lies outside Faversham's boundaries, with 26% in Boughton and 9% in Selling.

Boughton and Dunkirk's Neighbourhood Plan is a legal document and the result of seven years' work.

It sets out the villages' views and aspirations which must now be considered by the borough council when deciding whether to grant future planning applications.

And with SBC going back to the drawing board with its own housing blueprint, Cllr Tutt says the neighbourhood plan is the only legal document schemes in the area will be judged against.

"Our parishes are effectively joined at the hip so it made sense to have a joint neighbourhood plan," said Cllr Tutt.

"We have done ours right and properly with professional planning guidance and it is a housing-led plan based on what we think is sustainable and how residents want the villages to look and feel.

"But obviously there's nothing to stop a developer submitting an application for housing and taking it to appeal using the National Planning Policy Framework."

When finally compiled and approved, SBC's Local Plan could earmark sites across the borough for more than 26,5000 homes over the next 15 years.