The man behind plans for a new sushi making and Japanese tea ceremony building has defended himself over claims from neighbours the application is “bogus”.

James Tran submitted the proposals to Maidstone council outlining his idea to demolish a barn in South Green, near Stockbury , and erect a new building as a studio which can be used for different arts.

The London-based applicant has been in a battle with the local authority for nearly three years to get approval for the project, after neighbours have continuously claimed the plans are a sham.

In March 2019 a similar application for a tea house was submitted to the local authority, which was denied on the grounds it could harm the character of the countryside, have an impact on neighbouring properties, affect highway safety, and possibly have an impact on ecological interests.

An appeal against the decision was filed to the Secretary of State, but this was dismissed seven months later for two reasons, which included the possible effect of work on some trees and that there was no ecological survey to support their appeal.

Neighbours are concerned Mr Tran’s plans are a smokescreen to turn the building into a residential property.

Chris Adams, of South Green, objected to the plans, claiming he has seen people staying in the building overnight.

'I believe this application is bogus, and is an attempt by the applicant to obtain a residential property by spurious means.'

He said: “During the last 12 months, I have observed the applicant and/or individuals known to the applicant, to be using the site in what appears to be a residential way, including staying overnight.

“I am extremely concerned about the negative impact the proposed development will have on my privacy, especially as the site would be used for the intended purpose on a Saturday.”

Fellow South Green resident Chris Mansfield added: “The applicant is already effectively living most of the time at the property.

“I believe this application is bogus, and is an attempt by the applicant to obtain a residential property by spurious means.”

However, Mr Tran has hit back at those claims, saying they are “completely untrue”.

He said: “I live in Greenwich so I’m rarely at the property.

“It’s been a nightmare trying to get this through the council as it’s the same people objecting each time.

“I worked in Maidstone when I was younger as an apple picker and fell in love with the countryside and that was the inspiration for this place.

“I want it to be a small arts centre for people to come in and do some painting, using our team room, take part in sushi classes and see how beautiful the countryside is.

“It’s designed to be a place of tranquillity and we’ve even been hoping when it’s up and running to set up a class for disabled children in the borough to use it once a month.”

Cllr Patrick Garten (Con) said he was made aware people were living at the property in the summer and a portable toilet was introduced to the property, as well as a barn with cooking facilities.

In a letter sent to the council he suggested putting a condition to suspend development rights if the claims are true and the application is approved.

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone