by Hayley Robinson

Plans to build affordable new homes in Newington have been given the go-ahead, along with a cash injection for education, libraries and a play area.

AmicusHorizon submitted a planning application to Swale council to build 10 new homes with associated parking in Vicarage Lane.

The proposal was for two two-bedroom flats arranged over two floors, four three-bedroom and two two-bedroom terraced properties arranged in two blocks of three and two four-bedroom semi-detached houses.

The council received 44 letters of objection. Concerns raised included schools being oversubscribed, no facilities for teenagers, an increase in traffic along Church Lane and a lack of amenities such as doctors, dentists and chemists.

Members of Swale council's planning committee agreed to visit the site on April 20 after the application was discussed at a meeting on March 31.

The site was previously used as sheltered housing for elderly people comprising of 26 flats but the complex and associated buildings was demolished in 2009. It currently consists of a fenced-off turfed space with two trees close to the front of the site.

As a result of the visit it was agreed permission should be granted in line with Kent County Council's request that the developer provides contributions totalling £24,127.40 towards the local infrastructure.

These include £20,057.40 towards secondary education, £2,270 for libraries and £1,800 for adult education. The conditions have been agreed.

The housing association will also provide £7,700 for the improvement of Newington Recreation Ground off Orchard Drive, £700 towards wheelie bins and a five per cent monitoring fee.

Contractor Swale Building Services will carry out the work.

A spokesman for AmicusHorizon said: "We hope to start work on site within the next two months and expect to finish by the end of March.

"AmicusHorizon and Swale Building Services will keep residents informed with regular progress updates and notify them in advance of works that may potentially cause disruption.

"All tradesmen will deliver outside of peak times to minimise further congestion during peak traffic times."