A council has vowed to continue to fight plans for 145 homes it fears will 'urbanise' the area.

Tenterden Town Council has said it will fund legal support ahead of a public inquiry into the proposed Wates development.

The inquiry comes after the developers appealed against a decision by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) to reject the project on Limes Land, behind Woodchurch Road and Appledore Road.

It would see 145 homes built on the land, along with play areas and sports pitches.

Developers say that it would also include a 21-acre country park – something described by Tenterden Mayor Cllr Lisa Lovelidge as "laughable".

Ashford Mayor Cllr Callum Knowles, who represents Tenterden South, described the fight as "a case we do not want to lose".

"Ashford Borough Council is the planning authority, but this is a very serious issue for Tenterden Town Council as well," he added.

"That is why it is right for the town council to fund expert legal support."

The town council first voiced opposition to the plans – along with local resident groups – back in June, with the plans officially rejected by ABC's planning committee in September.

However, an inquiry will now be held on Tuesday, February 8 at 10am following Wates' appeal against the decision.

Tenterden Planning committee chairman Cllr John Crawford said that the plans would place "unacceptable pressure" on Tenterden, particularly affecting Ivy Court Surgery.

"It would result in car dependency for the new residents and create further traffic congestion and gridlock, especially with parking outside schools," he added.

"This is a case we do not want to lose"

"And, as the former Housing Minister Robert Jenrick said, house building should not be at the expense of green spaces."

He also said the Limes Land proposals would not boost long term economic development or social sustainability, but significantly harm the environment and landscape.

With the introduction of the new environment bill and the implications of climate change, building homes in the right places now need to be considered more carefully.

In response to the town council's statement, a spokesman for Wates Developments said: “We are fully committed to bringing vitally needed new homes to this part of Kent, responding to the identified housing shortage by Ashford Borough Council.

"Our proposals include 145 new homes, of which 50% (73 homes) will be affordable and 78.40% of the site remaining open green space on what is currently private land.

"Our plans provide for significant community benefits in line with the local needs identified by Tenterden Town Council and Ashford Borough Council through provision of; five new grass football pitches, a new pavilion, natural open play space, and 21-acre country park.

"The proposals are supported by significant financial contributions that will contribute to improvements to local infrastructure notably the local surgery, a new bus stop, local highway improvements and traffic calming measures.”