A packed out public inquiry has been filled with cries against proposals to build flats next to an 11th century abbey.

More than 100 people from across West Malling, East Malling, Wouldham and Larkfield turned up for the start of the inquiry.

The six day hearing got off to a slow start as Tonbridge and Malling Borough struggled to accommodate the heavy opposition to Bellway’s 65 home proposal.

The housing developer hopes to build off Swan Street and Lavenders Road, in the shadow of St Mary's Abbey, where there 11 listed buildings and a nunnery.

Mother abbess Mary David spoke at the inquiry.

She said: "The thing that frightens us most, first of all is noise, then there's light and then there's activity.

"The idea of a public recreation ground directly opposite the most holy places in the abbey would be an absolute disaster, we could fear that more than anything.

"Light because if you have street lights and cars. One third of our community has bedrooms looking over the site, we get up early and we go to bed early."

St Mary's Abbey dates back to the 11th century. It is home to 12 nuns and welcomes around 1,000 visitors a year who come to experience the peace and tranquillity behind its walls.

West Malling Parish Council’s legal counsel was paid in part by more than £15,000 worth of public donations.

It’s legal counsellor Robert Williams criticised Bellway’s “superficial and inadequate” heritage assessment.

Dozens of attendants gave their views on the potential traffic impact on Lavender’s Road and Swan Street.

There were laughs in the public gallery when the solicitor for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, which is opposed to the development, said a highways survey found new homes would have no impact on traffic.

Both the parish and borough council’s opposition is born from the potential heritage impact of building next to the St Mary’s Abbey, which has helped bring trade to West Malling for centuries.

Locals also raised concerns over the potential influx of traffic along Swan Street and Lavenders Road, along with the potential environmental impact.

The inquiry will continue tomorrow.

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