Dartford firm submits plans for nine homes next to The White Swan pub in Ash

Plans to build up to nine homes on land next to a pub have been drawn up.

Applicant Nick Hollis has submitted the permission-in-principle application for the field north of The White Swan in Ash, near New Ash Green.

The managing director of real estate firm Renewable Power Solutions is proposing to build a maximum of nine homes on the parcel of land.

The site, which is near the junction of Ash Road, Billet Hill and The Street, has a paddock and is classified as grade 3 “good” agricultural land in the Metropolitan Green Belt.

However, according to the submitted planning statement, the Dartford-based company believes it can be classed as grey belt land.

The document also claims that the field does not “strongly contribute” to the purposes of the green belt, and the proposals would be deemed an appropriate development.

The planning statement adds that the proposals would not be “out of keeping” with the use of the surrounding land, as it is near other homes and a public house.

Mr Hollis also claims that Sevenoaks council is not able to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land, so this scheme would help to meet the “significant unmet need”.

The document states that it would be a “more appropriate, sympathetic and compatible” land use in comparison to agricultural use, with the associated vehicle movement it would bring.

No affordable housing has been included in the scheme as the firm says it is not needed, as it is not a “major development”.

At the time of writing, nine letters of objection had been lodged against the proposals, with people highlighting concerns over the “blind bend” next to the site and that it would be “overbearing”.

One said: “The infrastructure is not set up in the area for further dwellings. It is not safe to allow further dwellings on this roadway due to the traffic.”

Another added: “Local services are already at breaking point with residents not being able to get doctors’ appointments for weeks on end.

“It is not needed and does not benefit the area, given there are already numerous houses for sale and or rent in New Ash Green.”

One letter of support has also been sent, while another comment, neither backing nor opposing the scheme, has been received.

The application is seeking permission in principle, which means the local authority will need to decide whether the proposals are suitable in terms of location, use and size.

If approved, a detailed design, layout and access document would be created as the scheme moves into the next stage of the planning process.

A decision is due on the scheme by Monday, February 2.