A detailed application has been submitted to planners seeking permission to build 300 homes at Ditton, near Maidstone.

The developer, St Modwen Homes, described its Orchard Mill scheme as an "exciting opportunity to build a haven within the Ditton area, filled with green spaces and parks for residents to enjoy".

The scheme will include a range of properties from one to five bedrooms.

Orchard Mill, formerly known as Ditton Edge, was granted outline planning permission in November 2020, despite a petition signed by 1,600 people against the plans.

The land was previously owned by the East Malling Trust and plans have now been submitted to Tonbridge and Malling council.

The development company held a public exhibition of its plans earlier this month at Ditton Community Centre in Kilnbarn Road.

Regional manager Jeremy Attwater said: "We are delighted to have submitted our planning for Orchard Mill, and look forward to getting started on the construction."

He added: "This milestone marks an important step on our journey in Ditton.

"For us, it’s more than just building new homes because we care about the surrounding areas and the communities we create."

The company said the site would be ideal for commuters, with easy access to the M20 from Junctions 5 or 4, and the facilities of West Malling less than two miles away.

To find out more about St Modwen Homes, visit the firm's website here.

The planning application reference number is 22/00557.