Concerns have been raised about traffic congestion on a key road after applications for hundreds of homes were submitted.

Two developers want to build a total of 341 houses just a mile apart from each other in and around Upchurch.

Swale Cllr Gerry Lewin warned they will put a huge strain on the busy London Road: “There are currently four major applications along the A2 corridor.

“It impacts not only Upchurch, but all those people that use the A2.”

One of the applications, from Maidstone-based Persimmon Homes South East, would see 300 homes built just over the Medway boundary, off Otterham Quay Lane.

The other, from Bobbing-based Clarendon Homes, is for 41 homes on adjoining land at the rear of Jubilee Fields.

The proposals would add another 200 houses intended for the site that hosts the Westmoor boot fair – just yards from Otterham Quay Lane.

Blueprints for this development were rejected by Medway council but an appeal has been lodged.

Mr Lewin, who represents Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch, said: “Both Cllr (John) Wright and myself object to these applications because of the impact it would have on the highway infrastructure on the A2 corridor.”

Other applications for land around the major route include one for 300 homes at Pond Farm in Newington, submitted by Gladman Developments.

The same company also wants to build 580 houses on land of Swanstree Avenue in Sittingbourne.

James Chapman, of Clarendon Homes, said Upchurch was more than equipped to cope with 41 extra homes.

He added: “The A2 is the main trunk road.

“It is the responsibility for Kent Highways to maintain.”

Persimmon Homes did not wish to comment.

No dates have been set for when any of the applications will be heard by the relevant planning committees.