More than 1,500 sign petition against 1,500 homes

More than 1,500 people have signed a petition opposing plans for up to 1,500 homes on land in Kent.

The site between Sevenoaks and Otford has been earmarked for development in Sevenoaks District Council's emerging Local Plan, a blueprint for where housing and infrastructure could be built over the next 15 years.

Campaigners say the housing targets in the plan are "unrealistic and inappropriate".

A spokesperson for Sevenoaks District Council said the developers, Fairfax, put the site forward for housing and it would consider the petition. Fairfax said it was committed to engaging with residents.

The petition was launched by the Otford Protection Committee, created by members of the Otford Society, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Committee co-chair Simon Featherstone said: "Most people say it's just madness to pick a site like this for such a large development.

"A significant proportion of the site is in a level-three flood zone, and it's directly adjacent to Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve. You almost couldn't pick a worse site."

He said campaigners were not anti-development but were against inappropriate development.

"We need to focus on brownfield sites first, we need to stop focusing on green countryside," he said.

A spokesperson for Fairfax said the plans would help meet housing needs while providing facilities including green space, employment opportunities, a neighbourhood centre and healthcare facilities, land for a primary school and bus links.

Sevenoaks MP Laura Trott, who has signed the petition, said the site was a flood plain and agricultural land, adding: "If built on, this natural asset would be lost forever and the community would be left with untenable strain on neighbouring roads, water supply and GP and hospital services."

A Sevenoaks District Council spokesperson said: "Fairfax, which put the site forward for inclusion in the new Local Plan, will consider the petition.

"However, the Planning Inspectorate will consider all comments submitted about the site."

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