An MP of 14 years is calling on the new government to give more consideration to traffic congestion during its shake-up of planning policy.

Elected on a promise to “get Britain building,” the Labour Party is consulting on changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which governs housebuilding around the country.

But Conservative Helen Grant, who represents Maidstone and Malling, has written to Angela Rayner, the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, calling on her to define the meaning of “severe congestion” as part of those reforms.

Currently, highway authorities can only object to new developments on highways grounds if the increase in traffic is likely to cause “severe congestion.”

But since that term is not defined, authorities have been reluctant to object on those grounds, fearing costly appeals from developers they can’t defend.

Mrs Grant said: “Throughout my time as an MP, overdevelopment has been the issue that constituents have raised more than any other.

“The loss of green spaces, substantial changes in local amenities, and strains on infrastructure are all consequences of development that can understandably have adverse impacts on residents and their communities.

“This is particularly apparent in hotspots for development, one of which includes Hermitage Lane in my constituency of Maidstone and Malling.

“This is a significant access road where Maidstone Hospital is located.”

The Hermitage Lane area is facing up to 1,800 more houses being built in the near future.

Most recently, Ms Grant opposed plans for 1,300 homes off Hermitage Lane, at East Malling and Ditton in a scheme known as Bradbourne.

She added: “The National Policy Planning Framework (NPPF) does not currently provide a definition for ‘severe congestion’.

“This means that the consideration of congestion is largely futile when deciding planning applications.

“Consequently, this adds to the sense of injustice and neglect that residents and councillors feel towards the planning process.”

Mrs Grant said: “However, an agreed definition of ‘severe congestion’ in legislation would allow highways authorities to usefully participate in the planning process to ensure that major congestion hotspots can be avoided as future phases of development are delivered.”

Angela Polletti of Corben Close, Allington, has spent many years opposing developments along Hermitage Lane.

She said: “I agree there needs to be a definition, but it’s a little late to call for it now.

“We said it hundreds of times in relation to developments along Hermitage Lane, but Mrs Grant’s own Conservative government took no action.”