Plans to hold an exhibition on a controversial 5,000-home project, 10 miles away from its location for safety reasons, have been described as “farcical”.

It comes after councillors opened up about experiences of being verbally abused, spat at and having things thrown at them at similar consultations.

Proposals to build a garden village at Lenham Heath, led by Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) in partnership with Homes England, have proved controversial after being included in the authority’s Local Plan Review. But plans to hold two March consultation events at the Great Danes Hotel in Hollingbourne, seven miles away, for security reasons, drew criticism from opposition councillors.

Another date, at a closer venue has been added since the debate.

Cllr Steve Munford (Independent) said at the meeting: “For the life of me I can’t see why we don’t follow logic and I can understand the frustration of Lenham and ward councillors.

“I don’t know why we are paying other venues that are 10 miles away and we’re supposed to be consulting with the population there.”

He was not the only member concerned about a lack of accessibility as Cllr Clive English (Lib) said: “Having been to many community events down in Lenham and Harrietsham I fail to see how any of their facilities are inadequate for the purpose of this event.

“I have to say I find the explanation given totally unconvincing and whatever the merits of this proposal a public consultation taking place 10 miles away from the community it will affect is a farce.

Cllr Paul Harper (Lab) recommended that most consultations should be held in Lenham which was unanimously agreed by the council.

While recognising concerns for residents, chairman of the committee Cllr David Burton (Con) wanted to put safety first: “It is my understanding it would be the first of a series of consultation events, I think we know that is normal and good practice.

“I’m going to choose my words very carefully, but if an organisation was planning an event such as this they would be concerned about putting their staff into a difficult position, and one where they might consider the safety of their staff.

“Were this to be the first of a series of consultations, and it goes well, then I think you can build that consultation relationship over time."

Another member concerned with safety was Cllr Simon Webb (Con) who repeated his own experiences during consultations: “During the Local Plan consultation at the leisure centre in Maidstone after that meeting two councillors were verbally abused and were very upset by members of the public.

“So although I have great sympathy for what colleagues and members of the public are saying tonight, your point about the safety of officers and employees I think is a very important one and shouldn’t be overlooked.”

Cllr Webb added how during his time working with KCC and attending public consultations he observed many members of the public being abusive to presenters and councillors.

He added: "It really is for the public to control themselves, as well as us putting measures in place.

"I do think very strongly that Lenham Parish Hall should be used, but only if a risk assessment is carried out properly.

"I would like to see security at the event. We've got to ensure the safety of everyone who attends the meetings."

This view was echoed by Cllr Annabelle Blackmore (Cons): “We do need to listen to residents, it’s a really tough one.

“We’ve been here with consultations and it’s never easy and having been heckled at, spat at, things thrown at me and being sworn at, it really isn’t very pleasant.

“Don’t worry I’m not after tea and sympathy, however we do also have to look after what Homes England wants.

“Because I imagine if they’ve been in similar consultations which dare I say may have been controversial in the past then they’ll want to make sure those involved are safe.”

A spokesman for Maidstone Borough Council said: "Public consultation and engagement for the project is a high priority for Maidstone Borough Council, and so it is important that the access and location of events is appropriate for the broader community as well as the local community affected.

"There will be two events at the Great Danes Hotel, Hollingbourne in early March and the Council and Homes England, having listened to feedback, will add a third date, at a different venue, more local to Lenham too, also to be held in March.

"The event organisers have taken appropriate steps to ensure security for all as is normal practice at such events."