A town council has raised “ongoing concerns” over plans to build nearly 1000 new homes in a former quarry despite recognising it has “immeasurable community benefits”.

An outline application for 800 homes and a new primary school in Sevenoaks Quarry, near the M26, was approved by Sevenoaks District Council earlier this month.

The huge scheme includes proposals for 2,000 sqm of business and retail space, and a further 150 "units" specifically for older people, and space and money for a two-form entry primary school – although a detailed application has yet to be submitted.

Tarmac Trading is currently quarrying the land which lies to north of Greatness and Seal, but south of the Maidstone rail-line.

The site covers 94 hectares, but 15-hectares will be left as a lake which Tarmac said could be used for water sports.

The access will likely be from Bat and Ball Road, with secondary accesses from Farm Road and Childsbridge Lane.

Sevenoaks Town Council – as opposed to the district council – said it had “ongoing concerns” about various aspects of the proposals and so could not support the outline application.

However, it said it was optimistic that the development was capable of “providing immeasurable community benefits”.

The town council also wants to see medical facilities provided.

Sevenoaks Town Mayor Cllr Claire Shea said: “I am relieved that the much-needed improvements to the Bat and Ball junction will now be delivered during the first phase of construction, and that good provision is being made for a school and community facilities.

“We will continue to work with all parties to model the impact on healthcare facilities, and to encourage a good solution to primary care challenges.”

The Bat and Ball junction will be converted from traffic lights to a roundabout.

The developer will also pay £750,000 towards improved bus services.

Some 40% of the new homes will be affordable.

However, because the site represents a major development within the Green Belt, the scheme will have to be submitted to the Secretary of State Michael Gove for approval and he has been known to overrule local authorities’ decisions.

Details can be viewed on the Sevenoaks District Council website here.

The application number is 22/00512.