A public meeting is being held tonight (Tuesday, December 7) to discuss the future of ancient woodland.

Gallagher Aggregates' plans to quarry Oaken Wood near its existing quarry in Hermitage Lane, Barming.

It has prompted a barrage of protest from conservationists, nature lovers and residents despite Gallaghers' promise to restore and improve the woodland once the quarrying operation is over.

Kent County Council's planning applications committee will hear views at a meeting tonight at Oakwood House, Oakwood Park, Maidstone. It starts at 7pm.

The meeting follows a site visit to the quarry and woodland by KCC planning committee members earlier in the day.

Tonbridge and Malling council has already voted to oppose the development and said there should be no loss of ancient woodland unless KCC established an overriding need for more ragstone.

KCC's planning committee is unlikely to decide the application until January at the earliest.