The developers behind Bearsted Primary and the Snowfields Academy, two new schools proposed for Boxley, say they have listened to the objections of residents and changed their plans.

A spokesman for Bowmer and Kirkland said: "Careful consideration has been given to consultation responses received and the concerns over the originally proposed access arrangements noted.

"In light of these, we have secured an access route through the adjacent Kent Medical Campus, accessed via the campus roundabout, which in turn has freed up space on site to accommodate additional drop-off places."

The access change had been anticipated after MP Helen Whately intervened to echo residents' objections, but the developers have also done away with the proposed pedestrian access from Bearsted Road, which many had opposed saying it would lead to parents parking near the access on the fast stretch of narrow road.

Instead a native hedge will be planted along the southern boundary.

As a consequence the company has dropped plans for a signalised crossing on Bearsted Road and for a surfaced path across Weavering Heath, in recognition of the fact that the vast majority of pupils are going to be taken to school by car, not walk.

Ward councillor Wendy Hinder (Con) said: "I am pleased they have listened to us over the access. This has made the scheme less objectionable, but there are still many people - and I am one of them - who think this is simply the wrong place for two new schools.

"The traffic congestion in the area is already horrendous. If these schools go ahead. it will just be impossible."

The amended plans can be seen on the Maidstone council website. Planning application 18/506656 refers.

*Contractors working for the applicants have angered residents by churning up Weavering Heath while manoeuvering a digger on wet ground. Geotechnics had a licence from Maidstone council to carry out investigative works on the publicly owned land, but managed to get their digger stuck in the boggy ground.

Cllr Val Springett (Con) said: "They have made a right mess over a wide area. Some of the ruts are two foot deep and could be quite dangerous if anyone came across them at night."

She said: "Some parts of the heath have protected wildlife - I'm surprised they were allowed to do this work at all."

Bowmer and Kirkland apologised. A spokesman said: "Unfortunately due to unforeseen soft ground conditions an excavator became stuck on the heavily grassed, slightly sloped area of the site and fencing around the area fell down in high winds. That fencing has been replaced.

“We are committed to reinstating Weavering Heath to an acceptable condition and apologise for any inconvenience caused."