It is a housing development that not many people wanted to see but the construction of up to 600 homes at Bapchild could start next year.

Surveyors arrived at Stones Farm last month as developers put the finishing touches on a final planning application for the site.

The plans have now been submitted to Swale council for consideration.

If approved, work could start early next year, lasting until 2025.

The plot, off the A2 at Fox Hill, formerly owned by GH Dean and Co, was the subject of fierce debate as villagers, led by the parish council, mounted a campaign to protect the farmland from development.

Despite their efforts, in 2016, Swale council granted permission in principle to build between 550 and 600 homes.

Housing group Hyde purchased the site in March for an undisclosed fee.

Since then, it has been working with Chartway Group subsidiary Westerhill Homes to put in a final planning application.

So far the plans have not been made public, however, it will include more specific details, such as the height and density of housing built.

If approved, the new estate is expected to provide affordable and private housing, with at least 30% expected to be affordable.

Managing director of Westerhill Homes, Andrew Shankster, said: “This site is the first of an innovative joint venture agreement between Hyde and Chartway Group.

“Surveying works are currently being carried out with our key partners including the local planning authority and Kent County Council’s ecology team.

“A full planning application has been submitted and if approval is granted, we expect to be starting construction works on site early next year, which will continue for six years.

“We hope to bring the first homes to the market in autumn 2019.”

Outline planning permission was granted for Stones Farm in 2016, despite objections from Kent County Council’s highways department.

Highways officers raised issue with the impact on Swanstree Avenue and Canterbury Road junction.

However, the application was approved on the condition capacity issues at the junction were resolved.

Under conditions set out in 2016’s approval, 37 acres of countryside will be left untouched around the site.

The A2 is due to be realigned, with the addition of traffic lights.