Concerned neighbours are fighting back after a green used by dog walkers and families for more than 50 years was suddenly fenced off.
Residents on Ashford’s Quantock Drive estate were left stunned last week as developers blocked off the 1,000 sq m plot.
The site, which sits next to a play park, has been used by neighbours since the estate was built in 1974.
However, metal fencing now surrounds the land, blocking one of the access points to the play area.
It comes after Cllr Paul Bartlett (Con) submitted an application to Kent County Council (KCC) to declare the space a village green – a move which would prevent future development on the site.
Ashford Borough Council (ABC), which has always maintained the land, says notices about the village green application were removed and instead replaced with paperwork reading ‘not public land’ and that ‘trespassing could result in legal action’, while failing to give any details about who the landowner is.
The site is to go under the hammer at auction next Thursday (July 10) with a guide price of £10,000.
Cllr Bartlett, who represents Mersham, Sevington South with Finberry on ABC but was previously on Kent County Council, says he thinks the land owner wants to sell the site off for housing.
He put forward the village green application in May and it has already been backed by more than 70 people who have aired their worries in a questionnaire.
“Village green applications are a perfect example of how we as residents can use existing legislation to protect our diminishing green spaces,” Cllr Bartlett said.
“But the owners want to sell it and I think what they’re trying to do is if anyone drives by the site and looks at it before the auction, they may see the fencing and think it’s easier to develop than it is in reality.
“Looking at the plot, they’re probably thinking maybe two homes could be accommodated.”
In 2023, Cllr Bartlett led a successful campaign to turn a 1.25-acre strip of land directly opposite the site off Quantock Drive into a village green.
It came after Bluesky Properties Estate Ltd purchased the plot – along with the smaller site which has now been fenced off – for £81,000 in 2022.
In order to register a plot of land as a village green, KCC says it must be shown it has been used by local people for sports and recreation for at least 20 years ‘as of right’.
A decision will therefore be made by its regulation committee later this year, where, should the application be successful, the fencing will be removed.
Meanwhile, 40 residents gathered at the green to show their frustration at the situation on Sunday.
Glenn King, who has lived on the estate for almost three years, told KentOnline: “It’s kicked up a big storm with everyone.
“I was told the landowner wants it looking pristine, but it’s not fair on people who live there and having to see that every day when opening their curtains.
“I’ve got two dogs and walk down through the alleyway past the green and they have a good smell and a nice wander there.
“A lot of other people do the same, so it’s just not fair. There’s no need to put any metal fencing up.”
Another resident added: “I live in the terrace facing the green. I have lived there since 1997 and myself, my son and grandson have all played football on the green over the years.
“There is a micro-community where people know each other.
“If anywhere looks like a village green it’s here and taking away a children’s play area in an urban setting for more house building is just not on.”
Residents were joined by Ashford MP Sojan Joseph, KCC’s Ashford Central Reform representative, Pamela Williams, and ABC representative Cllr Andrew Buchanan (Ind).
“The land has been enjoyed by residents and children at the three schools located in the near vicinity since the estate was built in the early 1970s,” said Cllr Buchanan.
“A lot of people are very concerned and upset, which is shown in the number of residents who showed up on Sunday morning at very short notice.
“Councillors on both ABC and KCC are investigating whether any planning rules have been broken and the fencing also appears to block a public right of way to one of the play area gates.”
KCC and Bluesky Properties have been approached for comment.
