A decision on a Newington housing development has been put on hold.

Swale council’s planning committee agreed to a site visit before voting on a 14-home proposal for Parsonage Farm in School Lane.

Members will be at the address from 9.30am on Monday, in order for local representatives to make their feelings known.

As outlined in the planning application on behalf of Walker Residential Ltd, it is proposed to demolish existing buildings at the site to make way for 14 houses made up of two-storey detached, semi-detached and terraced properties.

The scheme has been recommended for approval by Swale’s planning officers. However, it does not have the backing of Newington Parish Council, which is opposed to the development due to it not being visually in keeping with other properties in the area.

It also raised concerns about the impact extra traffic might have on Newington Primary School, which is opposite the site.

The council also questioned whether the land could cater for further development and therefore not be able to meet the village’s housing needs as outlined in a 2008 survey.

In recommending its approval, the planning officer in charge of the case said the development would cause “minimal” visual impact to surrounding properties. The report also states Kent Highway Services deemed the project to be “safe”.

It was felt the development “would be successful in respecting the setting, design and character” of Parsonage House, a grade II listed building that forms part of the site.

Following Monday’s visit, Swale’s committee members will return to Parsonage Farm to carry out their own investigations.

A final decision will be made at the next committee meeting, held on October 9, at 7pm.