A parish council has slammed plans for new homes in a village as "unimaginative, poor and dull".

Proposals for nine new homes in The Street, Bearsted, have been criticised for their appearance and concerns it would cause traffic problems for the narrow road.

Two terraced blocks would be built, including a row of six three-bedroom houses and a second row of three three-bedroom homes, on parking spaces north Of Crisfield House And Egypt House, if approved.

Each house would have a garden area to the rear of the property backing onto the adjoining properties along The Street and allotment gardens to the north and east of the site.

However, the design of the houses have been criticised for being too "bland".

Cllr Valerie Springett, who lives in the village, said: "My two main concerns are firstly the access point, which is in an already busy part of the road by a junction, where traffic queues to get through the narrow street.

"Adding nine properties will increase the vehicle use of this access alleyway.

"The second concern is one of design, which is very bland.

"The frontages need to be staggered and broken with use of different finishes such as part weatherboard or hung tiles on the upper level to give character.

"The new properties in Crosskeys are a good example of what can be achieved. I welcome the smaller properties in this proposal rather than larger properties."

While Bearsted Parish Council described the plans as "unattractive".

They commented: "There is little space for 3 bedrooms, inside or out. Terraced, especially non-period, housing does not reflect the Parish.

"The design is unimaginative, cramped, very shoe box dull. In style it is out of context.

"It doesn't reflect the character and nature of the village, not the nearby conservation area, nor the commercial site within which the proposal sits."

A planning document on Maidstone Borough Council's website says the plans are well-suited to the area.

It says: "We believe the proposals will make an efficient use of the site whilst respecting the character of the local area, making a positive contribution to the Bearsted Green area an established urban centre."

You can view the plans at here, with reference 22/503353/FULL.