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KFC struggling for support in Snodland

Fast food giant KFC could soon be serving up portions of its famed fried chicken in Snodland - but not everybody is on board with the Colonel's latest plans.

The Oast House in Hollow Lane, which is currently empty, has been earmarked as the perfect location for a new restaurant and drive thru.

However, more than 100 objections have been submitted alongside the proposals on Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's website.

Plans for KFC to move into the Oast House in Snodland (9028346)
Plans for KFC to move into the Oast House in Snodland (9028346)

If given the green light the restaurant, which would be situated just off Malling Road, would include a drive thru lane, 29 car parking spaces and would create 45 part and full time jobs.

Opening hours would be between 11am and 11pm while the developer will look to make the most of the existing houses for the restaurant's appearance.

But the possibility of KFC moving into Snodland has struck fear into some people living in the area.

The Oast House as it stands in Hollow Lane, Snodland (9028472)
The Oast House as it stands in Hollow Lane, Snodland (9028472)

One person wrote: "I don't believe that particular area is big enough nor suitable for a KFC.

It is a housing estate, not a high street or an area where no houses are near.

"It will be the only KFC drive thru apart from Gillingham which means there will be a high volume of people from many different areas going to KFC.

"I feel it will massively let that end of Snodland down and completely change the reasons why people decided to live at that end of Snodland."

Another said: "I live a few doors up and have to deal with rubbish blowing into my drive and property. This restaurant will bring more rubbish into my property.

"The roads are already overstretched and congested, this will add to traffic and make it more dangerous.

A further objection said: "Snodland has more than enough takeaway shops.

"There is already an issue with litter throughout Snodland, with the local council cleaner being unable to cope meaning members of the public have had to organise cleaning the town.

"The level of crime has risen and I am fearful that if these plans do go through it will attract lots more people to Snodland for all the wrong reasons."

Only two statements in support of the plans were submitted, citing job opportunities as a positive for those in the area.

The Oast House has been empty since early 2018 when it was vacated by Britannia windows.

The proposals are subject to approval by TMBC's planning commitee which will hear about the plans during a meeting later in the year.

Read more: All the latest news from Malling

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