Plans have been proposed for a large housing estate on an orchard.

Developer Rydon Homes has applied to Maidstone council for outline permission to build up to 117 homes in Marden.

The estate would be east of Albion Road, north of Copper Lane and would border Russet Grove which was built on what was formerly Marden Cricket and Hockey Club.

Documents submitted to the council said: “The majority of the site comprises of a commercial plum and apple orchard with an existing vehicular field access onto Copper Lane.”

Of the 117 homes proposed for the six-hectare plot – about the size of 11 standard 11-a-side football pitches – 40% would be affordable.

The site is earmarked for 113 homes in the council’s local plan review.

Cllr David Burton (Con), leader of the council who represents the Marden and Yalding ward, said: ”There have been some concerns raised in particular about the provision of utilities to the site – that was a concern that was expressed very early on.

“Water and sewage are always the two real big ones in the low-lying Weald.

“We’ve all had water supply issues in recent times, and on the sewage side we rely on pumping stations here.”

Cllr Burton added that “there are concerns about flooding on the site”.

Rydon Homes has submitted a flood risk assessment which says the site is at low risk of flooding but recommends floor levels in the properties be elevated from the ground.

There are two former agricultural sheds on the plot which will be demolished.

Traffic would access the new homes off Albion Road, with a pathway for pedestrians, cyclists and for emergency use off Copper Lane.

As an outline application, the specifics of design, layout and scale would be dealt with through later applications.

The submitted plans cover the principle of development.

Cllr Burton stressed that as council leader he would not want to prejudice or interfere with the decision of the planning committee.

He added: “But that doesn’t mean I won’t be working to make sure that the residents’ concerns and issues are thoroughly followed through.”

A decision on the scheme is set to be made before Christmas this year.