Plans have been resubmitted to convert land into a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site.

An application has been sent to Maidstone council to transform land in Coxheath and provide use for 10 static caravan pitches.

The land lies to the north of Stockett Lane – off a long access driveway near Blossom Lodge.

Used by families of Traveller origin for the past 15 years, the site is currently used for the purpose of touring caravans.

The application's planning statement, put forward by agent Martin Potts, says the change would create greater stability for those in the area.

It reads: "In the past, the site has accommodated 21 touring caravans in one go which creates considerable traffic flow.

"The reduction to 10 static units will greatly reduce the number of traffic movements to and from the site.

"Static units will also provide a more stable environment for the Traveller families, without interfering with their nomadic lifestyle.

"The proposed site is fully sustainable with shops, health facilities and schools within walking distance.

"There is a facility unit on site at the south east corner in a poor state of repair and the intention is to replace the existing building."

The proposal comes after a previous application for 14 pitches was rejected in January.

Planning officers said the plans would have had a "detrimental impact" on the site's character by harming its landscape.

It was also noted the proposal would have failed to provide a suitable environment and amenities for future occupiers, as well as impacting parking and highway capacity in the area.

However, the new application insists reducing the number of pitches from 14 to 10 will ensure there is more open space and privacy between units.

This is alongside an increased amenity space of 400 sq m per pitch with a large community space in front of the facility block.

Mr Potts also believes the proposal complies with the Kent vehicle parking standards, as the access roads from Stockett Lane are "wide with speeds humps" and therefore would not impact the road network in Coxheath.

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Both applications were submitted less than two years after a different site involving land at the rear of Blossom Lodge was approved for Gypsy and Traveller use.

Planning permission was granted for 10 fixed and permanent residential caravans in December 2021.

Maidstone’s local plan, a review of which by the Planning Inspectorate started in July last year, also declared there is a shortfall of up to 600 Traveller pitches in the town.

The application adds it would therefore make sense to position new pitches in the area, given the site has already improved the "wellbeing and general environment" of the existing community.

Coxheath Parish Council did not lodge any objections to the plans.