Trees which have provided protection from noise and pollution for people living near the M20 could be lost to make way for what has been dubbed the “Berlin Wall of Aylesford”.

The Highways Agency plans to replace the concrete barrier on the London-bound carriageway of the motorway, between Hall Road and Teapot Lane, Aylesford, with a higher four-metre timber barrier which it says will absorb more noise.

But far from pleasing people living within feet of the motorway, the plans have caused anger as many of the trees lining the route of current barrier could be felled.

An Agency spokesman said some of the trees would have to be axed to make room to build the new barrier.

But many people on the Greenacres Estate, which borders the motorway, are furious, saying they were not consulted.

Malcolm Hayes, of The Hawthorns, said: “The trees are environmentally pleasing and help collect motorway dust.

“Apparently the Highways Agency seems unwilling to even consider other options such as building a wall and keeping the trees there.

“This must be how the Berliners felt when the wall suddenly went up in the 1960s.”

Work which would have involved chopping down the trees was scheduled to start on Monday, but following protests – and intervention from both the Kent Messenger and Chatham and Aylesford MP Jonathan Shaw –the Highways Agency has pledged not to fell any trees until it has found a solution to people’s concerns.

“We will only clear vegetation which is absolutely necessary,” said a spokesman.

The alarm was raised by Cllr Dave Smith (Con), Aylesford ward member on Tonbridge and Malling council, who alerted those Greenacres residents unaware of the proposal.

He said: “There are 500 homes on the estate, but the Highways Agency only delivered leaflets to about a quarter of the estate, nearest the motorway, but residents further up the estate are still affected.

“The trees have been here for 30 years and already provide a great natural protection. The trees are around eight metres high, whereas the wall will only be four metres.”

Eve Fincham, of Yew Tree Close, who lives close to the motorway said: “The trees already soak up a lot of the noise and pollution. I would much rather look at them than a four-metre fence.”

Rita Latter, also of Yew Tree Close, said: “I can still remember my father planting those trees 30 years ago, just after the motorway opened. It is ridiculous.”

The agency’s route performance manager for Kent, John Burns, said: “The replacement barrier is being provided as part of the agency’s commitment to invest in services.

“There will be a reduction in noise for local residents.”

Similar barriers were installed along the coastbound carriageway of the M20, bordering Aylesford, several years ago, leading to the loss of some trees.

While work to replace the barrier, starting on Monday, there will be three narrow lanes and a 50mph speed limit on a three-mile section of the M20 London-bound carriageway, just after junction 5 at Aylesford.