However, villagers slammed the “completely inappropriate” plans, claiming the development would change the character of the area and add to existing parking woes.
In 2024, permission was granted to build three houses on the site, close to the junction with Longmarsh View and the shops parade.
Cllr George Holt (Con) says these original plans were found to “acknowledge the character” of the village.
But, he felt the new proposal for nine flats was “far more intensive” and would alter “both the nature and impact of development on the site”.
Applicants Alder Design & Build Ltd wanted to build seven one-bed flats and two two-bed flats, which would have included nine car parking spaces. Last month, that application was withdrawn.
A new application has since been submitted for the erection of a revised residential development comprising of six self-contained flats together with associated parking, landscaping, cycle storage, refuse storage and associated works. It was validated by Dartford council on May 21.
The applicants say the proposal follows “ongoing discussions” with the local planning authority regarding the previous application.
The planning statement says: “During the course of those discussions, officers identified concerns relating primarily to the intensity of development, parking dominance, outdoor amenity provision and the overall visual perception of the scheme.
“Rather than proceeding toward refusal, officers advised that the development would benefit from material revision and reduction in scale.
“The current application has therefore been prepared in direct response to those comments and represents a substantially revised and materially reduced form of development.”
It adds that the revised proposal is “fundamentally different in character and intensity” to the earlier submission and that the reduction in homes would reduce residential activity, lower parking demand and reduce vehicle movement.
It goes on to say: “This revised proposal represents a carefully considered and proportionate evolution of the site which positively responds to officer and community concerns whilst continuing to deliver sustainable residential development within an established and accessible settlement location.”
When the plans for nine flats were submitted, Kent County Council’s (KCC) highways team stated that while the proposal was for two spaces below the provision required by Dartford council, the site is in a “fairly sustainable location” with bus stops and Farningham Railway Station fairly nearby, as well as Main Road and other nearby residential roads where people can park “if required”.
At the time, Cllr Holt said it was “disappointing” that KCC had given the applicants the green light, calling on it to withdraw its supporting letter, which it did not.
The latest highways, parking and transport statement submitted by the developers states that during the course of the previous application “significant pressure was applied locally in relation to parking and highways matters, including attempts by elected representatives to challenge or undermine the technical support position reached by Kent Highways.”
It adds: “However, notwithstanding those representations, the statutory highways authority did not revoke or withdraw its position.”
Cllr Holt told KentOnline: “Whilst I’m glad we’re pushing them in the right direction, it’s just not enough.
“Largely, the same concerns from the original application remain, I’m concerned about visibility exiting the site, parking and the impact on the character of the village.
“Neither do I welcome the applicant’s poor handling of challenges and questions.
“There are approved plans to build houses here, with the proximity to the primary school – this is the perfect location to make way for three families who could call Sutton-at-Hone their home, rather than a hastily designed flat block.”
The applicant also seems to have submitted two different versions of the proposed layout, one within the landscape and visual strategy statement and another titled ‘proposed site block plan’.
The two layouts show different arrangements of parking spaces, landscaping and private amenity space.
The plans submitted earlier this year received almost 70 objections from local residents.
One person said the development would have had a “huge detrimental effect” on the local roads, with another stating: “A building of this scale would appear visually intrusive and detract from the area’s established appearance”.
The new plans had received more than 40 objections at the time of writing (June 3), with many residents saying parking is “still going to be a problem” if the flats are built.
One said: “The proposal is out of scale, bulky, and incompatible with the character of the area and street scene which consists of mainly period and some heritage properties.
Another added: “The development includes only nine parking spaces for six flats. In reality, many households now own two vehicles, particularly in village locations where public transport options are limited.
“This proposal is therefore likely to lead to overspill parking on nearby roads, increased congestion, parking disputes, and additional pressure on existing residents.”
