The developer behind a proposal for new village homes say the plans should be approved as the council is “failing to meet its housing targets”.

The application is for an empty plot of land next to Pluckley railway station, which was previously a coal yard and later used as a car park.

The scheme, if approved, would see five new homes created, as well as a 20-space car park.

Andrew Kirk, from London, bought the land, a brownfield site, in 1997 and has long harboured ambitions to develop it.

Last year, an application to accommodate touring caravans for a Gypsy family of 14 on the land was submitted, but was later rejected by Ashford Borough Council (ABC).

Alternative proposals saw Mr Kirk lodge a bid to turn it into a 20-space car park alongside five new houses.

But this was withdrawn just 11 days after ABC refused the proposal for the Gypsy family.

However, Mr Kirk has now resubmitted his proposal.

Planning literature, submitted by Mr Kirk's agent, Trevor Gasson, state: “The site was previously in the ownership of British Rail/Network Rail and used primarily as a coal yard for local distribution/collection of coal by lorries and private cars.

“Since the coal yard use ceased the site has been used for a variety of commercial storage activities both by Network Rail and third parties as well as, in part, station car parking.

“The council will be aware of the encouragement in the National Planning Policy Framework, as amended in December 2024, to use brownfield land to help meet housing targets through the release of small or medium sites.”

Mr Gasson added ABC is "failing to meet its housing targets" and says the proposed new car park could “accommodate parking to serve Pluckley station”.

He added: “This will not only alleviate the present dangerous on-road parking in the vicinity of the station arising from existing, and increased demand from commuters, but also provide the opportunity for more accessible use of the station not least for those with disabilities.”

It comes as residents living nearby previously voiced frustration over commuters parking on roads, for free, instead of at the station’s own car park.

For this latest application, 18 neighbours submitted objections to the scheme, compared to one in favour.

Villager Judith Oakes raised concerns over access to the site, which would be via a “very narrow bridge”.

She said: “The entrance and exit near the bridge is far too dangerous. Terrible site lines. A death trap for pedestrians. Already terrible visibility for traffic on a very narrow bridge.”

Michael Worrow, of Dering Close, told KentOnline of his fears of overdevelopment in Pluckley.

The 83-year-old said: “They’re just building all around this area so I think it would be best to stop it for a little while.

“The reason we moved here was because of how peaceful it was but it’s not the case so much anymore.

“I just wish people took more care of Pluckley - it’s a high-rated area and we pay a fortune to live here but just look at it now.

“It’s a massive car park where people think they have the right to park everywhere, which I suppose they do but it’s not really nice for us.”

Lisa Steward, of Smarden Road, is not convinced a new car park will stop people leaving their cars in Station Road.

She said: “With free parking near the station, you’re always going to have people using Station Road and Smarden Road all day.

“I don’t think the parking they would offer in that new car park would even touch the sides anyway.

“So unless free parking goes outside then I don’t think the whole situation will change.”

Since the previous application, Pluckley Parish Council has worked with Kent County Council to develop the Pluckley Transport Plan, which was approved in December 2024.

It has resulted in several upgrades being earmarked in a bid to improve safety in the village - something Mr Gasson notes should help get the scheme rubber-stamped.

These include a reduction in the speed limit on the bridge above the railway from 30 to 20mph, plus the installation of traffic lights on the same road.

This is alongside improved sight lines from the plot’s access point in Station Road by removing several trees to improve visibility, as well as increasing its width from 4.8m to 5.5m.

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A decision on the revised plans is expected by May 12.