Villagers have been left dismayed after trees on a treasured amenity space were felled to make way for social housing.

More than 500 objections had been lodged against the scheme to erect flats on the one-acre green plot in Istead Rise, near Gravesend.

The trees, which were not subject to Tree Preservation Orders, had to come down to make room for the development of eight one- and two-bed affordable homes for Gravesham council’s housing department.

It had granted planning permission for its own scheme, which will see an an L-shaped two-storey block built on the plot, in July 2023, but work has only just commenced.

Adrienne Harle, who lives nearby, said: “It’s heartbreaking. This is a devastating blow to our community, as we desperately need more green spaces, not fewer.

“So many residents voiced their strong objections to this project, which is being built on a small, vital green area that served a variety of purposes for the community.

“This space was cherished by dog walkers, children, and even horse riders who use a bridle path through the area regularly.”

Mrs Harle added: “The loss of this beautiful, well-loved space is deeply upsetting to all of us.”

The one-acre plot, which was already owned by the council, had formed a triangle of grassland with around 14 mature trees, lying between Worcester Close and Bramley Close, and just south of the car park for the Downs Way Medical Practice.

The council had received 509 individual letters of objection to their plans - although there were also 30 letters in support.

Countryside charity CPRE Kent was also consulted on the project and raised concerns over the lack of sustainability, poor transport lines and loss of green space.

The land lies within the Green Belt but council officers decided an exception to normal planning rules could be made to allow the much-needed social housing to go ahead, adding it was A “sustainable form of development” within the rural area of Gravesend.

The bridle path is being closed during the course of construction, but the council said it will be re-opened on completion and will actually be improved, as previously, it said, it had become overgrown and unusable.

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Gravesham council expects construction to be completed early in 2026.