Residents of a plush new housing estate say they have been left stranded after a developer’s promised footpath linking them with their nearby village never materialised.

Orchard Gate is a 37-home development by Millwood Designer Homes on the old Ditton Laboratories site next to agricultural research centre NIAB EMR in Kiln Barn Road.

Concerns were raised by residents during the consultation, but no condition was made as part of the planning permission – granted in 2011 – to link the homes to Ragstone Court.

No footpath has been created and the new home owners say they face a dangerous walk along the busy route, popular with traffic heading south from the A20, if they want to go to their nearby primary school and other amenities.

The land is owned by East Malling Trust, NIAB EMR’s backer, which in a joint statement with Millwood Homes said they are concerned a footpath could pose a security risk and restrict their ability to manage their crops.

A spokesman for the Tonbridge developer said it was meeting to look at the problem in detail and come up with a solution.

Residents complained about the issue to Cllr Ben Walker, who created a petition with now more than 120 signatures.

He said: “There is no legal obligation for Millwood Homes to introduce the path, but there is a moral obligation and they should keep their promise.”

Alicia Gillett said:“My husband and I purchased our home with the information and plan that a safe footpath would be implemented to allow Orchard Gate residents to venture into the nearby town safely.

"I have just had a baby and have the intention of sending her to the local school, a matter of a minute’s walk from our front door. However, without the footpath (as promised) I will have to drive my child to school unnecessarily.”

Barry Hawkins, 2013 World Snooker Championship runner-up and Orchard Gate resident, said: “With the increase in traffic and cars always speeding down this road I am always wary when I walk outside, especially with my son and two dogs.

"I have actually been clipped by a car while walking the dogs with my son and was very lucky that none of us were seriously injured.”

Another resident, Mary Mac, said: “I strongly believe that Millwood need to fulfil a moral obligation to deliver upon promises made while marketing their homes. Kiln Barn Road is not a safe road to walk, especially with young children, buggies or dogs.

“Do we really need to wait until there is a fatality before any action is taken?”

To view the petition, click here.