More than 95% of residents oppose plans to build a bypass near their village, a survey has shown.

Lynsted with Kingsdown Parish Council asked those living in Lynsted, Teynham and neighbouring areas if they supported proposals in Swale council’s Local Plan Review for a relief road to be built south of the A2.

Of 261 residents who responded, 95% opposed the plans. Some 94% of people were worried about the negative impact on the quality of farmland and countryside while 93% feared for the diversity of wildlife in the village.

More than 90% of residents believed the bypass would pave the way for a rise in housing developments in the area.

Details of exactly where the bypass would go have not been put forward, and no funding has been identified.

Chairman of the parish council, Julien Speed, said: “We just don’t understand why the council, our elected representatives, are proposing a bypass when there’s such overwhelming opposition to it.

“Aside from the conclusive answers to the questions, we were struck by the impassioned comments from many of the respondents.

“The people have spoken, but are Swale council listening?”

One resident told the council in their response to the survey: “This proposed bypass will not help relieve the major issue of too much traffic on the A2.

“It will kill off the present Teynham businesses that depend on passing trade, ruin the open green space of Lynsted and create more pollution without any significant advantage to the local residents.”

Another added: “The bypass would change Lynsted to an extent that I would have to consider moving away. An historic, picturesque and peaceful village would be ruined.”

A Swale council spokesman insisted “significant” community engagement would take place before a bypass was approved. He added: “As part of the Local Plan Review process, we will consider any representations received during the current consultation period which will inform our next steps.”

As well as the bypass, Swale council has included proposals for 1,400 homes in Teynham and Lynsted in its Local Plan Review, a blueprint for development for the next 18 years. Some 1,000 residents have already signed a petition against that.

Comment on the Local Plan here.