A community building that has provided education and play space in West Malling will be lost to housing.

Councillors have approved plans to transform the St Mary’s Church Centre into three homes, and gave permission for a four-bedroom house on the land in Churchfields.

It led to concerns among existing residents that heavy lorries building the homes will clog up the narrow road, making their lives a misery.

People also fear the four-bedroom home will obliterate views of the Grade II listed church.

At a packed Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council meeting on Wednesday, five residents spoke out over concerns about an increase in cars using the narrow road.

Some living in Churchfields say if they meet a car coming the other way, they can be stuck for up to half an hour.

But KCC Highways raised no concerns about traffic management.

Jane Manning, who lives opposite the site, predicted chaos and said it would not be possible for a delivery lorry to fit down Churchfields.

The building dates back to the mid-1800s, and the church entered a planning application in October after being unable to meet the growing costs of carrying out repairs.

After the meeting, the Rev David Green, priest in charge of St Mary’s, said: “What we are most concerned to do is ensure a sustainable future for a building which is an important landmark to many residents.

“We are pleased the committee has approved our application because it means we know, should the building be sold to a developer, a safeguard scheme is in place.”

He added money from the sale would go to the church’s upkeep.

Richard Selkirk, chairman of West Malling Parish Council’s planning committee, who spoke for 100 residents, said many feel the site is being over-developed.

He added many would be happy to see the centre refurbished instead.

He said: “Many of the issues raised by the people who attended our parish council meetings are reflected in the conditions which the borough committee has attached to this planning permission.

“We hope the purchaser sticks to the design rather than seeking permission for more houses.”

The council received 49 letters of representation, including 24 from objectors and 23 from those in support.

Nine councillors voted in favour of plans, three against, and one abstained.

Read more in this week's Kent Messenger.