Residents have expressed concerns over losing a “vital” green space if plans to build homes and a shop on the site are approved.
A new application has been submitted to erect nine houses and a commercial unit behind existing homes in Alder Way in Swanley.
In August 2020, a blueprint to build 18 homes on land east of 40 Adler Way was approved but the plan has not come to fruition.
Then, three years later in September 2023, an application was submitted for the construction of 23 homes along with a children’s playground, but this was refused three months later.
Now, new plans have been submitted by SAL Development Group for the land, east of 32 to 40 Alder Way.
It would include two-bed, three-bed, and four-bed dwellings. The land runs along existing properties and adjoins the eastern edge of Swanley Park.
If approved, a new access from Alder Way, which has a 30mph speed limit, would be created.
However, the plans have received several comments of objection.
One neighbour, who has lived in the area for 40 years, said: “We are losing more green space and parking around Alder way is already terrible.
“Living here has always been pleasant, and having the green space and nature right on our doorstep is what has kept me here for so long.”
Another wrote: “My children play on that field, and it’s a nice open area to enjoy the views when walking to Swanley Park.
“The roads local to this are tight as it is, with parking being used on both sides of the roads. It will not be suitable to have large vehicles delivering materials consistently blocking roads that the emergency services visit regularly due to older people living in the area.”
One neighbour added that the shop would be “unnecessary” as there are already suitable businesses near the road, while another added that the open space is a “vital” part of the community.
“It is used by people of all ages for recreation, exercise, and relaxation,” they said.
Some have also questioned what the commercial unit, touted to be a shop, would be, as there are no specific details outlined within the application.
‘Leave this very small piece of land as it is, as it provides a green and calming nature to the already crowded and crammed area…’
Another concerned neighbour stated that the homes would lead to “a loss of privacy, sunlight, and visual amenity, adding: “We are pleading for your humanitarian judgment.
“Leave this very small piece of land as it is, as it provides a green and calming nature to the already crowded and crammed area.”
At the time of writing, the application has no public comments of support.
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Swanley Town Council has also objected to the positioning of the commercial unit which it argues would mean that vehicles such as HGV’s, delivery vans and cars visiting the shop would have to go “the long way round past all the houses to reach its present location”.
It added that there would be no “affordable housing” as it’s now “only a small development”.
KCC Highways has also raised concerns over “inconsistent” details – including the size of the commercial space.
