A village's retiring postmaster fears his customers will be left without a Post Office when it closes later this year to make way for a new development.

Derek Eagle has run the business from his farm shop in Sutton Valence for the past eight years.

But the site at Haven Farm is earmarked for redevelopment, with Fernham Homes seeking permission from Maidstone Borough Council to build 104 new homes and a retail shop, on the seven-hectare plot.

Mr Eagle, 66, said: "There has been a delay on the planning application, and although I was originally told that we must shut in January, that has been extended to the end of September, but as far as I can see there has been no attempt made to find a replacement for the Post Office."

The Post Office re-located to its present site off North Street when the previous village centre branch in Broad Street closed.

Mr Eagle added: "We also used to have a sorting office here, but that did close in January, and certainly business has shrunk since then.

"It is my business, but I lease the premises from the landlords. I am 66 now, so it is time for me to retire anyway, but I am worried for my customers - they are quite upset at the prospect."

The nearest alternative post office is at Kingswood, three miles away, with others in Park Wood, Boughton Monchelsea and Headcorn.

Fernham Homes has been told by MBC its planning application cannot be determined until there is "some level of certainty" regarding the Maidstone Local Plan Review.

The site is earmarked for development in the proposed Local Plan Review, but has not been included in the current Local Plan.

The review will be the focus of further public examinations by a government planning inspector at hearings in May and June.

You can view the plans here, with reference number 22/504692.

So far, the proposal has attracted 65 letters of objection.

Mr Eagle has launched an online petition calling on the council to find an alternative venue. The petition, which has been signed more than 400 times, can be found here.

Mr Eagle added: "Sutton Valence needs its Post Office. As this is the fault of Maidstone Borough Council and their Local Plan, I want to make sure they hear our voices and provide help so that the village keeps its Post Office."

A spokesman for Post Office Ltd said: "Plans are not yet finalised for the redevelopment of the Sutton Valence site and therefore there is no agreed date for the closure of Sutton Valence Post Office.”

Mr Eagle's farm shop sells fine quality foodstuffs, locally sourced vegetables, sweets and drinks.