Massive plans for almost 800 homes have provoked fears about flooding, traffic and the loss of greenspace.

Land north west of Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, has been earmarked for the huge development.

The 106-hectare site is between the town and the A228 Whetsted Road.

Before a planning application is submitted, Tunbridge Wells and Maidstone councils are consulting on whether an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required.

The EIA scoping opinion considers whether there is a need to “identify ways to avoid adverse environmental effects”.

The site forms part of the emerging allocation of housing for Paddock Wood and East Capel within the new Local Plan for Tunbridge Wells borough.

Developer Crest Nicholson is to submit an outline planning application for about 770 homes, 40% of which would be affordable housing, plus a new local centre with space for retail, food and drink and healthcare services.

The draft proposals are also likely to include a two form-entry primary school and an outdoor sports pitch, public open space and land for three traveller pitches.

Find out about planning applications that affect you at the Public Notice Portal.

Helen Sargison, who grew up in Paddock Wood, remembers how some of the newer estates in the town were her “playground” growing up and how she would play in those fields all day.

She said: “All those memories have now been built on by the developers.

“It’s been heart-breaking to see that, but now as an adult I live closer to the new proposals on Maidstone Road.

“Where I got married two years ago at Wise Wedding venue is part of the land they are planning to develop on.

“Whetsted woods is such a popular spot for dog walking, it’s where kids play, I take my running group out there and the plan covers all of that space.

“It’s so sad the fact I potentially won’t be able to do that anymore – there is no safe greenspace in Paddock Wood anymore.”

However, the report by Stantec on behalf of the applicant Crest Nicholson states “the veteran trees, ancient woodland and Tudeley Brook will be retained in full and suitably protected, as will the majority of hedgerows”.

Furthermore, the document says access to the site will be achievable from both the B2160 Maidstone Road and the A228 Maidstone Road/Whetsted Road.

But Helen, 42, shares particular concerns about the added traffic the proposals would create.

This is echoed in the response from Brenchley and Matfield Parish Council which says the scoping report is “too restricted” as its consideration of transport does not cover the staggered crossroads on the B2160 at the junction with Mascalls Court Road and Badsell Road.

It says: “The potential impact upon the community severance, road vehicle and passenger delays, pedestrian and cyclist delays, amenity, fear and intimidation, accidents and safety, as well as the air quality effects on roads in our parish…should all be included in the Transport and Air Quality sections of the Environmental Impact Assessment.”

Meanwhile, Five Oak Green resident Christine Luhning, wrote on the planning portal that enhancing the current infrastructure in Paddock Wood was “imperative” before commencing new construction projects.

She added: “Residents face considerable challenges related to flooding, water mains and sewerage systems, which necessitate comprehensive solutions.”

Paddock Wood’s Cllr Adrian Pitts (Lib Dem) said: “One of the issues we have in Paddock Wood, which sits outside it but is a concern, is that the road structure around the Badsell Road is pretty dire.

“Also the Environment Agency has recategorised lots of land around Paddock Wood as being in higher flood risks than they were originally.

“I’m particularly interested in where they are going to put the houses, because will 700-800 homes be achievable if they have to move everything off flood zones two and three?”

However, Cllr Pitts, who has lived in Paddock Wood for 26 years, says he is supportive of making the infrastructure work for any new development.

“We really do need that tangible infrastructure guaranteed to gain back the confidence,” he added.

You can find the EIA scoping opinion on the Tunbridge Wells council planning portal reference 24/02743/EIASCO.

The adjoining authority consultation began on October 18 for Tunbridge Wells and November 5 for Maidstone.