A 37-home development is set to go ahead in a rural part of Kent, despite pleas from residents not to “ruin our lovely village”.

Residents say developers are trying to turn Ash into a town, and are squeezing as many homes in as they can.

Last week, the planning committee at Dover District Council (DDC) approved plans for the new homes on a field off Sandwich Road, submitted by Woodruff Property Ltd.

Documents, submitted in support of the application, argue the scheme will provide “high quality new homes in a low density, landscaped setting”.

The bid is split in two – with full permission granted for 18 houses and four flats.

Outline permission has been approved for a block of 10 flats and five houses – meaning that the details of layout and design for them will be dealt with through further planning applications.

However, villagers are not pleased, with 46 writing into DDC prior to approval being given, to voice concerns.

Lizzy Shea wrote: “Since moving to the small village of Ash in 2001 it has nearly doubled in size.

“There are houses being built in every small area possible, especially in the end of the village the proposed new houses are.”

Ms Shea argued that the development would put further stress on local infrastructure.

“I am not against new houses being built but I am against developers making a quick buck and squeezing as many boxes (houses) on a plot that they can as in this instance.

“The houses will not be affordable for people like my 26-year-old son to be able to buy.”

Annika Rogers: “I've lived in this village my whole life, it's not a village anymore.

“It is getting overcrowded and the doctors' surgery and school is full as it is.

“I don't want to see this village ruined more than it has been over the years by more building.

“It is trying to be turned into a town, don't ruin our lovely village. Flats don't belong in this village let alone more houses.”

Daniel Otero wrote: “This new complex will destroy the village and will make the roads in and around the village unsafe and over busy for the roads.”

‘Please remember that Ash is a village, not a suburb...’

Of the 22 homes which will start being built soon, seven are earmarked to be sold at affordable rates.

The earmarked site currently has a disused farmstead and three storage barns.

Planning documents say it “benefits from an existing good access onto Sandwich Road”, and footpaths linking the land to the centre of Ash.

The homes would be within a 15 minute walking distance to the village’s shops and further amenities, such as the doctors’ surgery and primary school.

Andrew Harris-Rowley, the chairman of Ash Parish council, attended the meeting of DDC’s planning committee to oppose the bid.

“The site should include a clear view on the density and the type of dwelling needed so we’re not creating urbanisation via the backdoor – addressing the needs of actual village inhabitants and minimising the impact on the feel of Ash as a village,” he said.

He added that the plan “gives very little thought to the character and street scene of our wonderful village,” and said it lacks green space.

DDC’s planning committee voted by seven votes to three to approve the development.