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Plans for Aylesford Newsprint site revealed to the public

Plans for how to develop the former Aylesford Newsprint site have been revealed to the public.

The three options being presented by property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), which is acting on behalf of administrators KPMG, include one which looks at keeping the area for industrial use.

The two other ideas are for a mix of commerce and housing. Option 2 would include between 350 to 400 homes while Option 3 has a larger proportion of residential use, at up to 500 homes.

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Aylesford Newsprint fell into administration in February last year
Aylesford Newsprint fell into administration in February last year

In both, the warehousing units would be built towards the north of the site, with housing being concentrated on the land next to the M20.

But concerns about road access for the homes along Station Road has led to concerns from some residents.

Former Tonbridge and Malling borough cllr Dave Smith said: "If you have 300 houses, that is between 600 and 900 extra cars. There are already problems on Station Road, especially with the level crossing, that leaves that whole stretch queuing.

"The air quality is already awful because of the M20 corridor and when the motorway is closed the area is used as a rat run.

"This will make it worse than it already is. The road access has to be through the industrial estate to the north."

Andy Twyford shows visitors the proposals
Andy Twyford shows visitors the proposals

Neighbouring resident Kathryn Marjolin, 46, said: "I personally prefer more residential because it is more pleasing to the eye. The problem is the roads in the area because they are already grid-locked every morning.

"The transport links in the area are disgusting."

Retired civil engineer David Mundy, 63, agreed.

He suggested the problem could be solved by a slip-road off the M20 serving the estate.

"The roads are full of lorries. We moved to Larkfield in 1993 and the traffic has increased by around 100%. Consideration needs to be given to access to the motorway.

"However the area certainly needs to be developed. I prefer residential use because I have sons struggling to find affordable homes to buy in the area."

Meanwhile, Kris Mercer of The Larkfield Historical Society favoured commercial use.

Matthew Black, a senior planner from LSH, talks to visitors about the exhibition
Matthew Black, a senior planner from LSH, talks to visitors about the exhibition

He said: "I don't really like any of the options but equally we can't leave the site to wrack and ruin.

"Houses aren't going to work because of the noise pollution."

Mark Dodds, head of planning at LSH, said the community had been given a special opportunity with regards to the redevelopment.

He said: "It’s an important site both historically and in terms of what it might represent for the future.

“We would be delighted to welcome everyone to our exhibition and look forward to working with councillors, residents and the business community as we develop our designs.”

Last February 300 workers lost their jobs as the paper mill closed after 93 years.

How much money is recouped for the company’s pension fund will depend on the sale of the land, valued at £30m.

A planning application is expected to be submitted to TMBC on behalf of administrators KPMG in July following feedback from this exhibition, and a further public consultation in June.

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