Plans to create more than 200 extra car parking spaces next to a village train station will put a primary school and its pupils at risk, it has been claimed.

The proposals would see a 212-space car park built on a triangular plot of land next to West Malling Station and opposite the entrance to More Park Catholic Primary School. The private car park would add to the existing 600 spaces.

The 0.67 hectare site, which borders the London to Ashford train line, Station Road and Lucks Hill, has already been cleared of trees in preparation for development.

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Among those objecting is head teacher of More Park, Danny Coleman, who has written to Tonbridge and Malling council.

He said: “The disruption caused by this new car park will be a big problem for us and the location of the proposed entrance is quite dangerous.

“It is too close to what is effectively a blind bend between Station Road and Lucks Hill and would certainly mean pupils are more at risk when being picked up on that stretch of road.

“On top of this I believe tarmacking the site will increase the risk of flooding. We were hit badly in October due to poor drainage on the road and there is nothing in the plans that assure me the current situation won’t be made worse.”

Mr Coleman added: “I think some parents are of the belief that they will be able to use the car park, but this is not the case. Even if it was, the benefits of this development are outweighed by the issues.”

According to land owner Guy Kemsley, who has lodged the application: “The town and the whole area is benefitting from improved rail services into London resulting in increased levels of demand for parking.”

He said current facilities regularly fill to capacity and with a recent return of services to London Blackfriars in the morning, demand is increasing, especially as the route can be used an alternative for commuters from nearby Paddock Wood, Tonbridge and Sevenoaks who can no longer get to London Bridge due to building works.

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