Protesters against plans to put a fast-food chain in an Oast House have received a boost.

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch has written to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council declaring her opposition to plans for a KFC just off Malling Road, Snodland.

The MP has raised concerns over how close the fast-food restaurant would be to homes and schools, as well as the impact on traffic.

She said: "The A228 roundabout nearby is incredibly busy. It can be really difficult to get out of, to put a drive thru restaurant nearby will only make it more of a challenge.

"There's already a significant number of hot and cold food outlets in Snodland.

"I don't see why this is one is needed, particularly when there's the proposed development of McDonald's and Costa Coffee in a more appropriate location on the other side of Snodland."

The KFC restaurant and drive-thru is proposed for an empty Oast House in Hollow Road, off Malling Road.

The site is only a short distance from The Holmesdale School and St Katherine's School and Nursery.

In her letter to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, Ms Crouch wrote: "More than one in three children leaving primary school are classed as overweight or obese.

"While there are a number of contributory factors, like local residents I feel there is a clear link with the proximity of fast food outlets to schools and that it should be discouraged at every opportunity."

Ms Crouch's objection joins more than 100 others from local residents.

Many have raised signs objecting to the proposals.

But some are still in favour of having a fast food chain nearby.

One sign reads "Yes to KFC it's clucking amazing".

If given the green light the restaurant would include a drive thru lane, 29 car parking spaces and would create 45 part and full time jobs.

The Oast House earmarked for development has been empty since early 2018 when it was vacated by Britannia windows.

A decision is not expected to be made by Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's planning committee until July.

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