Hundreds of new homes could be built in Edenbridge - despite fears the site could flood once every five years.

An application to construct up to 300 properties and over 2 hectrates of public space on land west of St John's Way and Enterpise Way has been submitted to Sevenoaks District Council for consideration.

Included in the open space would be a 'kickabout area', two play parks, 14 allotment pitches and a pond.

Of the 300 new homes, 40% would be affordable housing with associated gardens, parking and landscaping.

The applicants, Cooper Estates Ltd, say the development would make a significant contribution to meeting existing unmet housing need in the district.

Bosses suggest it would also support existing facilities and services.

The site is currently used for agriculture, mainly arable with some grassland pasture including horse grazing.

The existing development of Edenbridge wraps around the area on three sides.

The Environment Agency objected to plans because the site lies within a flood zone.

In a written statement it said: "This is land that should be allowed to flood during an event and will flood as often as 1 in 5 years. The road, allotments, kickabout area and other communal areas, which are located within Flood Zone 3b, would therefore be flooded on a regular basis and will be waterlogged – wet for most of the year and may prove to be unusable."

Edenbridge Town Council objected to the proposal and gave 37 individual reasons. In a report it said:

"Members would wish to see housing of similar density to that existing on the Beeches Estate, as this would be in keeping with the area.

"Members would wish to see housing of similar density to that existing on the Beeches Estate, as this would be in keeping with the area" - Edenbridge Town Council

"The current Doctors' Surgery is already running at an estimated shortfall of ½ a doctor and has an urgent need to find new premises.

"Any expansion to the number of places required at local primary schools would require additional classrooms and other facilities being provided. Currently there is no secondary school in Edenbridge and insufficient places are available at schools within a reasonable distance."

Members also said concerns were raised about overcrowding on the Uckfield line from Edenbridge station, policing levels, existing infrastructure inadequacies and the ability of services to cater for new residents.

The application has been referred to the council's planning committee as a result of its scale and wider public interest.

It has been recommended for approval with a number of conditions.

A decision will be made tonight at a development control committee meeting.