Permission to build a housing estate on farmland has been blocked.

Plans for 23 homes on what has been labelled the “best and most versatile” agricultural plot in Teynham near Sittingbourne, have been refused.

The development would have seen work begin on a parcel of Grade I land off Lower Road, near the village’s train station and opposite Whiteleaf Stables.

But Swale council has turned down the proposals.

The authority said the new builds would have seen the “loss of best and most versatile agricultural land” not allocated for development.

It added that the homes would encroach into the countryside resulting in an “urbanising impact”.

This came after objections from Teynham Parish Council which included poor utilities such as the sewage disposal that is already running at full capacity.

It also argued that there is a road risk on Lower Road which has been investigated by KCC Highways, and says the extra vehicles from the development would “exacerbate existing problems”.

Councillors also reasoned that there is a lack of healthcare facilities in the village that no longer has its own GP surgery.

It used to have two, but the last of those, in London Road, shut in May 2022. Some 3,000 patients have had to register with Sittingbourne Memorial Hospital, around four miles away, instead.

Similar arguments were raised concerning the controversial Frognal Lane development, which will see almost 300 homes built off of the A2.

Those plans were deferred by Swale council’s planning committee on Thursday, May 23.

The developers behind the scheme, Country Homes, said its project sustainability was “excellent” thanks to its location.

It added: “The site is close to the heart of Teynham where shops and services can be accessed in addition to transport in the form of buses and trains.

“Additionally, the site is located between Sittingbourne and Faversham, the most sustainable centres within the borough which are both less than 15 minutes from the site by train.”

It also said the homes would “assist” the council in meeting its housing targets.

Teynham has been earmarked for some new 1,100 homes by 2031.

Villagers have spoken out against house-building in the area which they say is “overwhelmed and overdeveloped”.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Meanwhile, residents of Blossom Grove Estate said in November that they had been “sold a dream” as the development of 130 homes was unfinished, including the centrepiece pond.

Crest Nicholson, who is behind the project, told KentOnline this week that work on the pond and other estate amenities are “nearing completion”.

The developers added: “Soft landscape works across the wider Blossom Grove estate have progressed over recent weeks with turf, trees and shrubbery now in place across the site alongside benches for residents.

“The pond is also nearing completion, and we are working closely with landscaping contractors to finalise the landscaping around the pond.

“The temporary fencing will remain in place for residents’ safety until the full handover to Hyde Housing is completed, who will be responsible for the long-term maintenance.”