Next’s hopes of building a large store outside of the town centre have been thrown into doubt, despite receiving planning permission from Maidstone Borough Council.

The decision needs to be ratified by the Department for Communities and Local Government and a group of lobbyists in the town is now calling for the application to be rejected.

Maidstone Town Centre Management submitted its concerns to the department last week and the Liberal Democrats have posted letters to households, urging them to fight against the plan.

Town centre manager Bill Moss said: “We were very disappointed that the members of the planning committee voted against the recommendations of the planning officer. We feel their decision is in conflict with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and we fear there could be further development on junction 7 of the M20, which could impact on trade in Tunbridge Wells and Ashford too.” As Next’s application is for town centre use in an out-of-town location, and over 5000m², the council is required to send the key documents to the National Planning Casework Unit.

This organisation will then decide whether it should go to the secretary of state, Eric Pickles, within 28 days. If the decision is found to go against the NPPF the government can reject the decision.

The NPPF says councils must “recognise town centres as the heart of their communities and pursue policies to support their viability and vitality.”

Despite this, it also makes provision for “appropriate edge of centre sites for main town centre uses that are well connected to the town centre.”

A Next spokesman said: “The proposals will deliver substantial economic benefits to Maidstone, creating a £9 million inward investment and 180 jobs. These were recognised as being very important for the future prosperity of the town by a majority of members of the planning committee.”