Villagers have expressed their outrage over “deceitful” plans to cut back trees and widen a narrow street.

An application has been submitted to resurface Stock Lane in Wilmington to provide a more “substantial and manageable” route for vehicles through the road to the Eagles Farm Traveller site.

It involves removing five trees, which are “very low quality”, and replacing them with different ones in a “more appropriate location”.

But those living in the road say the alterations would “totally change” the area if approved.

Kharima Dada, a Stock Lane resident, told KentOnline: “Everyone is really shocked about the plans.

“Most people have lived here for a long time, so they talk, and that’s how everyone else found out about it.

“Many people feel misled by the description of minor works, which in reality would turn a quiet green verge into a permanent access road.

“I feel the description makes it sound like a few small surface works, but in reality, it’s the creation of a new road right opposite our homes.

“None of us were told about it, and it feels deceitful. What they want to do is to totally recreate this small little lane.”

She added that the road, near the former Rowhill school which is set to be sold, already suffers from congestion and is used frequently by school children, dog walkers, and cyclists.

Kharima explained: “They want to cut back loads of the wonderful greenery that we have.

“We're shocked that they're planning to take away these trees. We're shocked that they would want to put a massive road entrance on this tiny lane.

“It would totally change the whole character of the area, and I don't think the area can handle it.”

The design and access statement, submitted on behalf of Mr and Mrs Lee, says “minor changes” would be made to the existing landscaping to provide better vehicle access to the Eagle Farm area.

A supporting arboricultural report adds: “Careful consideration has been taken in account within the design process to ensure minimal impact on trees, to include specialist above ground permanent protection measures.”

In 2019, the owner of Eagle Farm, Maxine Lee, submitted a change of use application for the land, which is in the Metropolitan Green Belt, to become a Gypsy and Traveller site with vehicle access. This included the pitching of four two-bed mobile homes.

However, in April 2022, the bid was rejected due to being an "inappropriate development within the green belt, resulting in harm to the openness", as well as "harm to the visual amenity of the rural area".

This decision was appealed, and the site ended up being granted permission by the planning inspectorate.

In July this year, additional plans were submitted relating to water drainage systems for the static homes, which are not yet in place according to residents.

Kharima, who has lived in Stock Lane for three years, said: “The site itself is fine. It's just that there's no need to have the access here.

“It also feels unsafe to increase that level of traffic, and we've not seen sort of highways assessment.

“I taught my kids to ride their bikes on this in that little section, and you just wouldn't be able to do that anymore because everything would be a hazard. It will totally shift the dynamic.”

Ward councillors George Holt and Avtar Sandhu met with residents on Saturday (October 4) to discuss the plans and the concerns outlined by residents.

Cllr Holt (Con) said: “Like most, we were disappointed when the government-run planning inspectorate overturned Dartford council’s decision to block the original Eagles Farm application.

“Now the applicants are seeking further permission to improve their existing access onto Stock Lane – myself and Councillor Sandhu met with concerned neighbours over the weekend, and the concerns about the application are fair ones.

“We're working closely with the neighbours to provide support and produce an objection that meets the legal tests of material planning considerations.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

“Support from Kent authorities, particularly the concerns of the emergency services and highways, is going to be key in delivering a result that does right by the residents of Stock Lane and the surrounding area."

Notices were posted in the area regarding the plans, and 59 letters were also reportedly sent out.

A consultation is currently ongoing, and residents will be able to comment on the plans in the Dartford council planning portal until November 1, using reference 25/00600/FUL.

Several people living in the area have lodged objections, with one saying: “There is sheltered accommodation at the end of the lane where ambulances and fire service are regularly needed.

“Access is paramount. This is a quiet green belt area and needs to remain so.”

Another added: “As a long-term resident of the area, I believe this application, if approved, will have significant and adverse effects on the local community, safety, and environment.”