There was considerable dismay in Bearsted when Maidstone council approved a plan for 50 new homes on Lilk Meadow back in 2016.

Nearly three years later, the developer has submitted an amended application, which in the view of many makes the scheme even less attractive.

Bearsted Parish Council said the new layout would place the new homes closer to those already existing in Sutton Road, that the roof height of some have been increased and that the new road layout, which replaces two cul-de-sacs with a circular road, would result in more of the site being covered in tarmac.

One of the worries from residents originally was about water run-off. Traditionally the meadow flooded when the Lilk Stream was high. There are concerns about where that water will go now.

The Bearsted and Thurnham Society has also objected saying the reason for the revised plans had not been explained by the applicant. The society said it was "essential" that the new homes were no closer to those in Sutton Road than was originally shown on the approved plans.

Furthermore, the location of windows should be amended to prevent the loss of privacy to the properties on Sutton Street.

Cllr Val Springett (Con) has called the application in to be decided by committee because of the contentious nature of the site.

Application number 19/501221 refers.

To see details of the amendments, click here.