There was standing room only as residents turned out in force to oppose plans for a large traveller site on the edge of Staplehurst.

Around 50 people attended a meeting of the village's parish council tonight, where members unanimously agreed to recommend refusal for the two hectare site at Folly Farm in Frittenden Road.

The proposals leave space for 10 mobile homes, as well as associated utility rooms and touring caravans on the land, last used for sheep grazing.

Concerns were raised about the development's location between two sharp bends on the A229, as well as the tendency of the field to flood.

Speaking at the meeting, councillor Joan Buller said she had never encountered a planning application for a less suitable site.

She said: "If this was a housing development we would be fighting it tooth and nail. We can't eat away at all our land.

"This is a really sad day for Staplehurst. We have to fight it with every weapon we have."

So far a dozen online responses have been received by Maidstone Borough Council, and seven people spoke out at the parish council meeting - all objecting to the site.

It has been described as a "ghetto" by one protestor, while another likened it to the Dale Farm gypsy and traveller encampment in Essex.

One neighbour asked the authority to extend the deadline for public comments, saying that more detailed plans need to be provided.

The proposal will now go to Maidstone Borough Council for a final decision.

The deadline for comments has been extended until Thursday, July 16.

To have your say click here using reference 15/504228.