A haulier whose lorries have plagued a village for years says he can now relocate his business after a controversial planning application was granted last night.

Dover District Council approved a scheme for 73 homes on farmland next to the Salvatori depot at Preston, near Wingham, despite protests from villagers.

Afterwards boss Danny Salvatori said it was a “justifiable decision” and he was delighted for his 100 staff.

He has been working with developer Mark Quinn, of Quinn Estates, who told the planning committee that without the housing the relocation could not be financed.

The frequent daily heavy lorry movements along country roads through Wingham and Preston has been the source of constant complaints to the local authority.

But a campaign was lauched against the proposed development after a survey of the village revealed that most thought too many homes were being planned, which would bring new traffic problems and other issues.

Following a lengthy debate, the planning committee narrowly voted in favour of the scheme, which Mr Quinn later said was a vote for “common sense”.

He said: “The result is that the business will now be able to relocate to Aylesham, ridding the area of lorries and the village will get new homes which will help sustain local businesses and the school in the future.

“We now want to work closely with the parish council and local people to deliver the best possible development and benefits for the community.

“Part of the application is that we will help fund a new village hall and donate six acres of land to the parish council as well as donate £170,000 to the school.”

Protesters had said the scheme was overdevelopment and complained it was on adjacent farmland, not the depot site itself.

The parish council also objected but afterwards chairman Ollie Chapman said: “We now have to make the best of a bad deal and I am pleased the developer says he wants to work with us to maximise the benefits to the village.”