A public inquiry into controversial plans to create hundreds of new homes around a small rural village is underway.

The proposal from Trenport is to build 950 homes, a new primary school, new sports pitches and new allotments at Bushey Wood in Eccles.

The scheme covers a 63-hectare plot and would involve demolishing the existing St Mark's Primary School and building a new larger one.

Trenport lodged an appeal with the government when Tonbridge and Malling council failed to determine its outline application within the statutory 13-week time period.

The council said that was because the developer had not provided all the information – particularly on highways matters – that it needed to reach a decision.

Government inspector Deborah Board told those present that she expected the inquiry to focus on the effect of the development on highway safety, reliability and operational efficiency, particularly in relation to Junction 6 of the M20.

But she said it would also consider the “planning balance” issues raised by objectors.

There was a strong public presence yesterday as the public inquiry got underway.

Those arriving at the Gibson Building in Kings Hill, where the appeal is being heard, were greeted with a series of protestors’ placards lined up near the doorway.

Among those giving evidence was Tracey Crouch, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, who articulated residents’ concerns about the effect such a large development would have on the small village.

She said: “This isn’t an extension of Eccles, it consumes Eccles.”

She said that with the scale of development proposed would come pressure on health services, with GP services locally already having closed their lists.

She said: “I also raised concerns about the need to demolish a school that was only built in 2002 and sits in the heart of the community in order to rebuild a new one on the periphery which people will have to drive to.

“I raised concerns about the impact on local roads and water supply, the problem with plans to split the allotments into two sites, and the rather one-dimensional proposal for sports provision.”

Objectors were also permitted – over Trenport’s objections – to show a video of the flooding in Bull Lane in August – the road at the centre of the proposed development.

One objector, Gayle Wallace, was pleased with how things went. She said: “Trenport was clearly uncomfortable at times.

“We felt the inspector clearly knows her stuff and was very fair in ensuring people had the opportunity to speak if they wished.

“I feel confident that she will delve into the objections raised and their statute in planning. Let's hope that’s enough!”

The inspector has made it clear that she intends to stick to the timetable and conclude the hearing this Friday.

The written submission to the inquiry can be found here.

The reference number is APP/H2265/W/23/3321880