A much-treasured area of open green space has been spared the threat of housing development.

The plot in Russett Close in Aylesford was one of 10 sites owned by Tonbridge and Malling council which members of its finance, regeneration and property scrutiny committee put forward for inclusion in a list to be considered for housing in the Local Plan.

But after a public outcry and a public meeting at the green space attended by ward councillors and council leader Cllr Matt Boughton there has been a change of heart.

When the committee’s decision on the 10 sites came before the council’s cabinet for ratification last Tuesday, the cabinet members made the unusual step of going against the committee’s ruling in the case of Russett Close.

Ward member Cllr Rob Cannon (Con) said it had come to light that there had been a covenant imposed on the site when the land was first developed for housing in 1991.

The covenant required 45% of the area to be left as open space. The existing green space covers 45% and the homes in Russett Close were built on the other 55%.

Cllr Cannon also pointed out that when the housing application was considered by a planning inspector in July 1990, one of the conditions imposed was that there be an area of open space, so to put the land forward for housing now would be contrary to one of the council’s own planning conditions.

Cllr Collin Williams (Con) said that it was the only green space available to people living nearby without them having to get in a car and drive somewhere.

He pointed out that a petition against the sale, organised by resident Amy D’Oyley on Change.org, had gathered 338 signatures in a very short space of time.

Cllr Steve Hammond (Con), who is a former Falklands war veteran, admitted: “I suffer from PTSD and I have visited this green space on many occasions.

“It has helped me. It is always so peaceful. ”

He said keeping such green spaces was vital for people’s mental well being.

Cllr David Thornewell (Lib Dem) was also keen to see the site removed from the threat list.

He added: “These details about the convenant and the planning condition should have been brought to the attention of the committee in the first place.

“Why did the officers not raise these points?”

He received no answer.

The cabinet subsequently voted unanimously to leave Russett Close off the list.

However, an appeal by Cllr Garry Bridge (Lib Dem) to have two green spaces in his Vauxhall ward also excluded from the list fell on deaf ears.

The two sites adjacent to Tudeley Lane have been marked up for 15 homes between them.

Cllr Bridge said the sites were “vital to the deprived communities that live nearby.”

“Other sites have been excluded, why are these being treated differently?”

But the cabinet voted unanimously to keep them on the list, as it did with all the other sites, including six Tonbridge town centre car parks.