The Hop Farm Family Park faces possible court action after allegedly building children’s rides and altering its historic oast houses without permission.

Tonbridge and Malling councillors heard on Wednesday that “the nature and appearance of the site had deteriorated” since a change of ownership at the tourist centre in Beltring, near Paddock Wood, in 2007.

Council officers had subsequently investigated “many instances” where a possible breach of planning control had occurred.

They identified 18 unresolved issues, including: the permanent residential occupation of caravans on the site, children’s rides, stable buildings, hard-standing areas, changes to the entrance building and the erection of marquees.

There were also six alleged unauthorised works to the listed oast houses on the site.

The Hop Farm has not yet made a comment about the council's claims.

Councillors at the meeting heard that the owners believe many of the disputed works were completed under the Hop Farm's previous owners.

Nevertheless councillors agreed to begin enforcement action on a total of 20 alleged breaches and also to begin a prosecution in the magistrates courts over alleged unauthorised advertisements displayed on various lorries round the site.

Full story in this Friday's Kent Messenger.