More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A decision on whether to demolish part of an oast house to build a KFC drive-thru is expected to come in the next few weeks.
Snodland residents were up in arms over proposals to bring the fast food chain to Hollow Lane.
More than 300 neighbour comments have been submitted to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council before proposals were heard by a planning committee.
If approved KFC would build a restaurant and drive-thru less than half a mile from The Holmesdale School on Malling Road.
Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch is among those to object, writing a letter to TMBC about the plans.
In it she 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 later told KentOnline: "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."
Two dozen locals have voiced their support on the planning application, saying it would bring jobs and more business to the town.
A KentOnline poll found 56% of more than 1,100 people were in favour of the proposals.
If approved the restaurant would include a drive-thru lane, 29 car parking spaces and would create 45 part and full time jobs.
Opening hours would be between 11am and 11pm while the developer will look to make the most of the existing houses for the restaurant's appearance.
The finger lickin' plans are expected to be heard on October 3.
Take a look at them yourselves under reference 19/00786/FL on TMBC's planning portal.
