A farm could be redeveloped with 270 homes but the company involved is seeking to head off criticism by giving over much of the site to a country park.

Gleeson Developments is holding a public exhibition of its proposals for Fant Farm and is inviting residents to give their views.

The scheme suggests housing in the north east corner with the rest becoming a country park, children’s play area and picnic spot. Access would be from Gatland Lane.

There has been considerable local opposition to development on the farm, which comprises 150 acres of agricultural land.

In March, former Maidstone Borough Council leader Chris Garland (Con) said the loss of the land was “not acceptable” and the site was withdrawn from the council’s draft Local Plan.

Maidstone Green Party members had campaigned vigorously against its inclusion, including gathering 650 letters of objection.

This week, the party’s Fant ward candidate, Ian McDonald, who lives nearby in Douglas Road, said the Gleeson scheme was still unacceptable.

He said: “I was horrified to hear of it. This is a beautiful site.

“There will be widespread opposition to plans for new housing on this beauty spot.”

The public exhibition of Gleeson Developments’ plans will be in Fant Community Centre, Fant Lane, Maidstone, on Friday, October 31, between 4pm and 8pm, and again on Saturday, November 1, between 2pm and 5pm.