Plans to tear down a former nursery school and replace it with nine flats have sparked concerns over parking and loss of privacy.
London-based Dufont Faes Limited wants to redevelop the former Goldilocks Nursery site in Hardinge Road, Ashford.
But neighbours say the scheme will “overshadow” their homes and is “completely out of character” with the area.
Five objection comments have now been lodged on Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) planning portal, while KCC Highways says more parking is required.
Cunningham Developments – based in Westerham – has submitted the application on behalf of Dufont Faes Limited.
It wants to construct a four-storey block comprising four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom flats, as well as a single three-bed.
Previously, the current single-storey building – which is not earmarked for development in ABC’s Local Plan to 2030 – served as the home of Goldilocks Nursery.
The day centre opened in 1995 and stayed in Hardinge Road for almost 20 years before bosses concentrated on their other facility in nearby Hollington Place, which remains open.
In 2014, the property was put on the market, where it was snapped up by Heath Farm School.
The Charing-based institution then ran a post-16 sixth form centre there until it closed in 2023.
The 281 sq m property has remained vacant ever since, but residents fear the scheme will put further strain on parking.
Patric Nutton said he “objects strongly” to the project in a comment on ABC’s planning portal.
“This proposed plan overshadows all the neighbours… causing a loss of light, overlooking the adjacent homes and causing a loss of privacy,” he said.
“It also appears completely out of character with the existing property which is a low-level bungalow set back further than the proposed site plan and surrounding properties – a townhouse and a two-storey bungalow.”
Amy Thomas raised similar concerns, saying the “area already struggles with parking availability”.
“The development would add further pressure, potentially leading to congestion and safety hazards,” she added.
In its planning statement, Cunningham Developments says the scheme aims to “meet housing demand in the area”.
“We have designed the development to meet the needs of residents both now and in the future,” it said.
“By providing nine new residential units, the development addresses local housing demand and contributes to the community’s growth.”
It adds each flat would come with a private balcony, while residents would have access to communal rear garden amenity space.
Six parking spaces are proposed, including an electric vehicle charging point.
Cunningham Developments says this will “minimise congestion on Hardinge Road”.
But KCC Highways says nine spaces should be provided – in line with ABC’s Local Plan which requires one space per unit in central locations.
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
A decision on the application is expected by August 15.
Cunningham Developments has been approached for comment.
