A new action group is in the process of being formed - this time primarily to oppose a large housing application near East Malling.

A number of founding members came together in a Zoom meeting on Wednesday of last week to discuss the impending planning application from Berkeley Homes to build 900 homes at Broadwater Farm.

They have decided to form the Broadwater Action Group (BAG) and will hold a members' meeting to select a committee on March 3, by Zoom.

The group is aimed principally at residents in Well Street, Broadwater Road, Springetts Hill, Lavenders Road, The Heath and New Barns, who border the area threatened by the development

Donna Johnston said: "We are just trying to protect our green spaces. This housing proposals will see over 900 new homes and two schools built on Grade A farmland between East and West Malling and bordering Kings Hill."

Residents are particularly fearful of a large and lengthy access dual carriageway roadway to the new estate to link with the A228 Ashton Way near West Malling Station. They argue that since it is effectively an extension of the Kings Hill estate, he housing development should be accessed from there, but the Kings Hill land is owned by a different developer.

Meanwhile Berkeley Homes intends to limit access on some other local roads to cycles and pedestrians only and to stop up part of Pikey Lane altogether.

The proposal effects two conservation areas.

Mrs Johnston, who has lived in Well Street for 21 years, said: "We don't want to be Nimbys, but this is riding roughshod over our conservation areas. The public's voice seems never to be heard."

Another founding member Tony Ward said: "People tend to blame the developers, but they are only doing their job. It's Tonbridge and Malling council that really needs to be held to account."

For details on how to join BAG, visit here.

For details of the Berkeley Homes proposal, visit here.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

Read more: All the latest news from Tonbridge