Freemasons have defended their plans to significantly redevelop a Masonic Hall and highlighted the “vast amounts of money” they give to the community.

The Kent Masonic Property Company has its sights set on expanding the base in Upper Brents, Faversham, to cater for a new temple and bigger changing facilities.

But critics have hit out at the proposals - suggesting the scheme will exasperate existing parking problems on the immediate road network. There are also fears it will have a negative visual impact on the surrounding conservation area.

If given the go-ahead, the single-storey building, which the masons admit is currently “extremely ugly”, would be renovated and increased to two floors.

The plans for the former boatyard - solely used by the members of the Order of Women Freemasons - are now in the hands of Swale Borough Council.

Following objections from Faversham Town Council and neighbours, the applicants have presented a four-page response addressing the fears and arguing the proposal should be approved.

“Freemasons raise and donate vast amounts of money for various needy charities and, during this awful pandemic, the Order of Women has donated £100,000 to three charities chosen by our Grand Master,” they say.

“We do not anticipate any increase in numbers attending the hall.

“All members are requested to park within our property, and we police this very carefully.

“This is to increase the amenity area for our members, to update the current lack of disabled facilities for our ageing members, and to drastically improve the energy efficiency of the existing building.”

If the fresh plans are approved, the group will reconfigure the set-up of the hall by having a large dining area, lobby, kitchen and changing rooms downstairs.

A purpose-built temple will be constructed upstairs along with special changing facilities for the jurisdiction’s leader, a room for the lodge’s Tyler [guard], and a small room full of gowns.

The letter addressing the criticisms says the Kent Masonic Property Company also owns buildings in Thanet and Wouldham,

They say that if required, they’d be “more than happy” to plant a full line of evergreen laurel at the site to mask security fencing.

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