A village has added an extra layer of protection against development.

In August 93% of Loose residents voted to adopt a neighbourhood plan to protect its open spaces from inappropriate buildings.

Last week it was heard the plan will ensure heritage is respected, along with biodiversity and environmental sustainability, while local health needs are also addressed.

Susan Grigg represents the village at Maidstone Borough Council.

She said: "The main advantage of this is if there's any proposed development, if its in an area not listed by the neighbourhood plan then we'll very much be able to oppose it.

"This is will really help protect a beautiful area, particularly the Loose Conservation Area."

The neighbourhood plan is adopted into the Maidstone Development Plan and there are hopes other parishes will follow in Loose's example.

Cllr Grigg said: "There's co-operation between us and other parishes. This is going to be a really vital layer of protection for other areas.

"There was a real strength of feeling from locals that we needed to adopt this plan to protect open spaces."

More than 450 residents turned out to vote last month, with 93% in favour of adopting the plan.

Speaking at Tuesday's Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Nick de Wiggondene Sheppard said: "I think there's many congratulations due to the team in Loose, it's a tremendous amount of work.

"I'm getting a view of how much work its been because I'm very grateful they're starting to assist one of my own parishes in kicking off their own plan so its excellent work by the parish. We offer not just our support but our congratulations."

Cllr Brian Clark commended the plan, adding: "The people of Loose really got behind this. It was an emphatic result and an awful lot of work went into it."

The plan will come into effect once it is approved at a full council meeting on September 25.

It will be the 17th plan in Maidstone, joining other areas including Bearsted, Boxley, Harrietsham and Staplehurst.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone.