Champagne corks had not even stopped popping when those opposed to commercial development at Woodcut Farm in Hollingbourne were hit with a new blow.

Protesters were delighted when Maidstone council’s planning referrals committee ordered officers to continue to oppose an application from Roxhill Developments for a large, office, warehouse and light industrial development at Woodcut Farm, near Junction 8 of the M20.

But it emerges the company had already submitted a new application for the site, for a revised quantity of development, that now meets the criteria set out in the borough’s Local Plan for development at this site.

The application is outline only, but indicative plans suggest 19 smaller buildings instead of the 15 previously applied for, giving a total floorspace of 45,295 sq metres, which is less than the 49,000 sq metres suggested in the Local Plan.

The 18-hectare site is close to three listed buildings: Woodcut Farm, Mantel Farm and Old English Cottage, and extends across 19 hectares.

None of the local parish councils affected have yet had an opportunity to consider the new application.

Details can be seen on the borough’s website. Application number 17/502331 refers.