Opposition is mounting to revised plans to build homes in an area of natural beauty in Conyer.

The latest application is for 24 homes, as well as a bird viewing tower, north of the creek on former brickfields which closed in the 1980s.

Outline permission was granted on appeal in 2011 for housing on the site, part of which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

But when more specific plans have come forward previously they have been rejected amid strong opposition from neighbours and environmentalists.

The nearby Saxon Way is popular with ramblers, birdwatchers and dog walkers and features rare plants, birds and other wildlife.

Linda Robinson from Teynham objected, saying the roads serving the creekside were already too congested.

She added: “The former brickfields are now an area with an abundance of nature, used by many nature lovers and ornithologists.

"They are far too large and they will have a huge impact..."

“Any dwellings on this beautiful natural site would be detrimental to the wildlife.”

Conyer residents Andy and Lizzie Weekes said: “The style and design of the properties is hideous. They are far too large and they will have a huge impact on the visual aspect of the area both from land, the creek and the Swale.”

Kent Wildlife Trust and the RSPB object to the plans, with the loss of habitat for threatened nightingales and turtle doves among the concerns.

Natural England, which protects nature and landscapes, says it needs more information about the effect the development may have on the nearby Swale Special Protection Area (SPA) and Ramsar site. The marshland is designated as an important place for birds to feed and roost.

To view and comment on the plans go to tinyurl.com/planningKM, ref: 18/506460/FULL.

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