Villagers have welcomed the government’s dismissal of plans to double the number of “chaotic” boot fairs held on a farmland plot.

Dartford council had rejected Farmboys Country’s proposals to organise 28 boot sales a year in Foxhounds Lane, Southfleet, instead of 14, in December.

Officers stated it would be an “inappropriate development in the green belt” and there were no very special circumstances that would outweigh the harm caused.

However, the organisers appealed the decision to the Planning Inspectorate - the agency tasked by the government with deciding planning appeals - claiming the events provide community, social and economic benefits to the area.

They argued the fairs encouraged people to “get outdoors”, created a space for them to meet and allowed them to buy second-hand products at an affordable price.

In their report, the planning inspector afforded the collective benefits “moderate weight” and acknowledged the increase in days would encourage growth and expansion of the business.

However, they concluded this did not outweigh the harm which would be caused to the green belt and no very special circumstances justified the change.

The report explained the scheme would introduce “visual clutter” and see a “significant increase in cars and activity” coming and going from the site.

It added: “The 14 additional boot fairs would result in an intensification in the use of the site, as well as an increase in disturbance and activity greater than would be expected as part of its current agricultural use.”

The inspector therefore dismissed organiser Ronnie Mulock’s appeal and upheld the council’s decision.

It’s been welcomed by nearby residents and councillors.

Paul Hockley, who lives in Park Corner Road, said: “If they have lost the appeal, then that is great news. I would like to see it stopped full stop, but I do not think that is going to happen.

“It is chaotic with people coming to sell and buy, and there is no planning in place. It was diabolical.”

He claimed the boot fairs caused “carnage” on the surrounding roads, with some being blocked for up to an hour as stall holders and buyers queued to access the site.

KentOnline previously reported how several people were opposed to the expansion as they feared it would lead to increased litter and add to the “nightmare” parking situation.

It followed a council-led enforcement investigation into the boot fairs, which found the number of days when the land could be used for them had been exceeded.

Ward councillor for Longfield, New Barn and Southfleet, Jeremy Kite, was pleased the council’s decision was upheld.

He said: “Rural areas do need protection, but people have the right to submit planning applications.

“In this case, the council got it right and did the right thing. By the sounds of it, the application was not one that could have been passed.

“I am pleased the council got it right the first time and protected the community. It is about having a voice that residents might otherwise not have.”

The Planning Inspectorate’s ruling means only 14 events can be held in Foxhounds Lane, so instead, the organisers are hosting more events at a field less than a mile away.

It is now holding sales at Pepper Hill Field in New Barn Road, Southfleet, which Paul said has not helped the issues raised by residents.

He added: “The new location at the bottom of the A2 is also chaos. People are queuing up around the roundabout, and it is more dangerous than Foxhounds Lane.”

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Ronnie Mulock declined to comment.