CONTROVERSIAL plans to expand a sewage works have been rejected by Kent county councillors.

Southern Water was seeking the go-ahead to expand and improve the sludge recycling centre at the Aylesford Wastewater Treatment Works near Maidstone.

Members of Kent County Council’s planning application committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to turn down the proposal - to the delight of opponents.

Villagers in Eccles have been fighting the plans since they were first revealed by the water company last year.

They were concerned about the dangers posed by up to 100 extra heavy goods vehicles that could have passed through the village each weekday if the scheme had been approved.

Chatham and Aylesford MP, Jonathan Shaw (Lab), was among objectors to the plan who outlined their opposition to the planning committee. He welcomed the decision by county councillors to reject the proposals.

“I applaud the committee’s verdict. County councillors demonstrated a very high level of understanding and appreciation of the crucial issue - the increase in lorry movements,” he said.

The committee turned down the application on two fronts.

These were the “unacceptable impact” the extra traffic generated would have on the road network surrounding the plant and particularly in Eccles and the effect it would have on the “quality of life” for Eccles residents.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S KENT MESSENGER