A petition against plans to build 421 homes in Maidstone has now been signed by 850 people – as any decision on the proposal remains up in the air.

Bellway Homes wants to wrap the site around the Grade I listed St Nicholas Church, on land off Church Road, Otham, just before Downswood.

But residents think the impact on the narrow country lane, which already struggles to cope at rush hour, would be too much.

On top of the petition, set up by Chapman Avenue resident David Hatcher, Maidstone Borough Council has also received more than 400 letters opposing the plans.

KCC Highways has also raised strong objections, citing safety and congestion, in terms described as "almost unprecedented" by former planning committee member Matt Boughton.

People in the area also fear the impact three-storey new builds with have on their view of the 11th Century place of worship and Historic England has echoed their concerns.

After initially backing the proposal on the grounds church car parks would be built the body has now joined those objecting to it.

But to date a decision has not even been made on an outline application made by Bellway more than a year ago – meaning the development has not even been approved in principle.

A decision has so far been deferred three times in October, January and February, with a need for additional information cited as the reason.

It is not known when it will be discussed again and both the most recent meetings have been cancelled and postponed.

But despite still waiting for outline permission the housebuilding giant applied for full permission in January.

The site is one of six near the Sutton Road already allocated for development in Maidstone's adopted Local Plan. In total - if approved - they will provide an extra 2,651 homes in the area.

Bellway is proposing a looped main road that will both enter and exit onto Church Road.

Plans include a community orchard, a village green and a square.

More than 700 car parking spaces are envisaged, while Bellway hopes to bring the local bus route onto the estate.

The Bearsted and Thurnham Society has raised objections over the perceived harm to the church. Chairman Caroline Vanhecke said planning policy says development should enhance the setting of heritage assets, not diminish it.

She said: "With no amenities on site, the developer is counting on the new residents taking up non-existent spare capacity in local schools, doctors and dentists.

"Many of the facilities quoted in the application documents are pure fantasy – they either closed years ago or their significance is grossly exaggerated.

"With no realistic local alternatives, it is likely that the traffic generated will far exceed the developer’s predictions. Overall, it is apparent that the volume of traffic trying to pass through Downswood and into Bearsted will be unsustainable."

Full plans can be viewed here and had an initial deadline of April 13.

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