The bid to merge Tonbridge and Malling's planning department has received a backlash from parish councils throughout the borough.

Since 1974 the borough council has operated with three planning committees, areas one, two and three, which cover specific wards offering expertise on issues.

Every councillor has long had the opportunity to have a say regarding every application within their ward – however, it could be reduced to a borough-wide system which oversees plans.

The recommendations came last year following a review of the structure by the Local Government Association, who suggested TMBC return to a borough-wide system, similar to that of other Kent councils.

It has not been greeted well by parish councils, who haven’t been offered a chance to speak ahead of the cabinet tomorrow.

Many of the parishes share the opinion that the present planning system, covering a diverse area across the borough, works perfectly well ensuring local views are represented at planning committees.

There is a concern that if it were to move to a single committee there is a risk some parishes or wards will not be represented, especially ahead of the call for sites initiative could will see a number of areas redeveloped.

Independent councillor Mike Taylor last week hit out, branding it an assault on democracy.

Cllr Taylor, of Borough Green and Long Mill ward, said: "It's an assault on democracy. The one good thing about the council is every elected member has a say."

West Malling, Plaxtol, Hildenborough, Platt and Ditton parish councils have also voiced their concern, writing letters to the council.

Adrian Stanfield, Tonbridge and Malling council's director of central services and monitoring officer said: "The overview and scrutiny committee has been considering how meeting arrangements might be reviewed following the recommendations of a peer challenge of the council's performance service carried out by the Local Government Association.

"The recommendations will be considered further by the cabinet on Wednesday, October 7, so these important issues can be given careful scrutiny before a final decision is made."

Recommendations to overhaul the planning department are due to be discussed tomorrow.