Residents desperate to protect a precious green space from developers have been given a glimmer of hope.

A council had put forward 10 sites it owns as being ripe for housing, including a popular dog-walking spot and several town centre car parks.

But villagers in Aylesford called a meeting to protest proposals for the green area, off Russett Close, to be included for up to 23 homes in the area’s next Local Plan.

It was attended by two of their three ward councillors - Cllrs Steve Hammond and Colin Williams, and by the leader of Tonbridge and Malling council, Cllr Matt Boughton.

Most residents knew nothing about the proposal in advance and were shocked at the thought of losing the area that is home to wildlife and is well used by youngsters playing football, dog-walkers and others.

Around 60 residents turned out for the meeting on Tuesday evening.

Cllr Boughton (Con) explained the process by which the site had come forward for development after being identified by the borough’s consultants tasked with preparing an urban capacity study.

But he conceded that when members of the finance, regeneration and property scrutiny committee made their decision, they may not have been in possession of all the facts.

After the meeting, Cllr Boughton told KentOnline: “The committee’s decision has to be ratified by the council’s cabinet at our meeting on Tuesday, July 4.

“It is politically very difficult for us as cabinet members to oppose a decision taken by a cross-party committee, but it is possible if new evidence comes to light.

“What I asked the residents to do was to submit their views to us ahead of our meeting, setting out why they think the area should not be developed and any evidence they have.”

Cllr Boughton suggested residents email each of the six cabinet members individually to let them know the strength of feeling.

The six are Cllrs Matt Boughton on matt.boughton@tmbc.gov.uk, Robin Betts on robin.betts@tmbc.gov.uk, Martin Coffin on martin.coffin@tmbc.gov.uk, Des Keers on des.keers@tmbc.gov.uk, Kim Tanner on kim.tanner@tmbc.gov.uk, and Mike Taylor on mike.truck@btconnect.com

Cllr Boughton said: “It is important that we listen to what our residents have to say – that’s why I was happy to attend the meeting.”

Daniel Markham is one of those who has been campaigning to keep the green space for the community. He has produced a number of videos highlighting the isssue which he has posted on YouTube.

He said: “Cllr Williams who was at the meeting was one of those on the scrutiny committee who voted for the sell-off.

“But when asked by a resident whether he would still vote the same way today having seen the area, he said ‘no’. So I am mildly hopeful of a change of heart.”

Cllr Steve Hammond (Con) said: “This was a paper exercise and the committee members were not made aware of all the bats and wildlife in the area.

“It’s a beautiful spot. Absolutely gorgeous. I shall be speaking at the cabinet meeting on behalf of the residents against this land being sold off.”

Clllr Williams (Con) was approached for comment but would say only: “We’ll have to wait and see what happens on Tuesday.”

The third councillor for the Aylesford South and Ditton Ward that covers Russett Close, Cllr Robert Cannon (Con), was not at the gathering.

Other sites put forward for development include the following Tonbridge car parks: Sovereign Way Mid, Sovereign Way North, Sovereign Way East, Angel East, Angel West and Vale Road.