Plans to convert old farmland into homes in a village near Tenterden have been accepted.

Developers at Southern Space are set to build 10 houses in Woodchurch following a unanimous vote of approval.

Councillors at Ashford Borough Council endorsed the proposal in Front Road, which would also bring four affordable homes into the area.

The designs include eight homes with two or three bedrooms and two houses with four bedrooms and gardens, as well as eight parking spots.

However Woodchurch resident Chris Stafford shared his fear tandem parking spots would be a "catalyst" for on-street parking, reducing visibility on the corner of the main road.

At the Ashford Borough Council planning committee on Wednesday, December 12, Mr Stafford said he is disappointed there will not be more homes that first-time buyers could afford.

However he added: "The village is not opposed to development on this site but we, in fact, would welcome it but we see there is harm here for residents."

Speaking on behalf of the developer, Pat Mills assured the council there are plans for all the homes to be shared-ownership but funding has not yet been secured.

He added the plans meet all necessary requirements for developments of this size.

Despite Southern Water claiming there are no concerns with the site, the parish council and borough councillors are concerned about the sewerage plans.

Cllr Aline Hicks (Con) said: "In common with many developments in the southern part of the borough, sewerage presents a major problem.

"Some of the residents of the lower part of the village have suffered considerable stress.

"I would like to see the developers, in a spirit of good faith, not to build anything until they have a permenant solution with Southern Water."

However due to a change in law in April, draining authorities cannot object to a new development based on a lack of capacity - but they approve the means and mode of connection.

This means if Southern Water decide there are too many homes feeding into the sewer, they would have to advise the developers of improvement works and provide a temporary solution.

To address these concerns, the council requires the occupation of the new building must be phased so Southern Water can undertake sewerage enforcement if necessary.