PEOPLE in Kent have given a resounding thumbs down to plans for a massive increase in house-building across the region.

Nearly 70 per cent of residents across the county and the south east who responded to a public consultation on house-building targets say they want fewer homes built each year over the next two decades.

The survey was carried out by the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA), which is considering how many houses ought to be built across Kent and the south east between now and 2026.

More people in Kent than any other part of the region participated in the survey, with one in four of all responses - some 15,000 - coming from people in the county.

The outcome of the public consultation will increase pressure on the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA) to scale down its contentious house-building targets or face accusations of ignoring public opinion.

Councillors and business representatives on SEERA’s planning committee will consider the results of the survey at a key meeting on Monday.

Regional planners asked the public for its views on three options, ranging from 25,500 homes each year over the region, matching average building rates over the last five years, through to 28,000 a year - the same level as last year’s rate and the highest option of 32,000 homes a year.

Some 68 per cent supported the lowest option of 25,500 homes with only one in ten supporting the highest option.

In a further blow to SEERA, more than 70 per cent of residents believe future housing development should be concentrated in existing towns and villages rather than encroaching on to green field sites.

However, while most people are against more homes SEERA chiefs will point to the results of separate face-to-face surveys that show that building more affordable homes is a top priority for four out of five south east residents.