A controversial 30-home development has been given the go-ahead after Maidstone Borough Council failed to fight it in time.

Millwood Designer Homes was refused outline planning permission to build on woodland next to Blunden Lane and Mount Avenue, Yalding, in February but successfully appealed the decision.

MBC then had 28 days to request a judicial review into planning inspector Louise Gibbons’ decision and despite saying it would do so missed the deadline by a day after a mix-up over dates.

Rob Jarman, head of planning and development for MBC, said: “With regard to the missed deadline, clear instructions were given to MBC’s legal representative to file papers in respect of the S288 appeal. Unfortunately the deadline was not observed.”

"Clear instructions were given to our legal representative... Unfortunately the deadline was not observed.” — Principal planning officer Rob Jarman

Judith Cramp, who lives in Mount Avenue and is campaigning against the development, said the council’s explanation was not good enough.

She claims it is a tactical move, which would leave the council in a better position to fight plans for a larger 75-home scheme by Countryside Properties in Vicarage Road.

She added neither proposal should go ahead and was particularly critical of ward councillor Steve McLoughlin, who spoke in favour of the Blunden Lane development at the appeal hearing.

Mr Jarman said: “It is considered usual practice for the ward member to be allowed to speak to reflect the views of the public. However, the inspector assigned to hear the appeal decides as to who is able to speak.”

Mrs Cramp said: “He’s meant to be representing villagers’ views.”

Cllr McLoughlin, who lives next to the Vicarage Road site, could not be reached for comment.

To view the outline application for Blunden Lane woods go to bit.ly/blundenapp

The larger scheme can be found here.