Plans for industrial units and holiday lets at Brogdale Farm were rejected due to urbanization concerns.
Councillors worried about urbanizing the area near Faversham, where Brogdale Farm is located. The farm is quite large, about 146 acres.
The East Malling Trust bought the farm last year to support science in farming. Brogdale already has orchards and businesses and also holds a fruit collection owned by the government.
The plan involved building on old greenhouses and reservoirs with fewer industrial units compared to previous proposals. The owners aimed to add a nursery and rental properties.
The council first met in December, delaying the vote after visiting the site, and finally voted in February. Council staff had suggested approval of the project.
The trust argued the project would help business, bring in more people, and aid the farm’s work. They asked for space for workshops, a nursery, and five small rental units.
Councillors disliked the proposals, with one stating Brogdale holds farming heritage and should not become suburban. He added that social housing is more crucial.
Road access was also a concern. Councillors called the road dangerous due to speeding cars, questioning the need for workshops and rentals.
One councillor found the site looked awful and wanted it cleaned for plant use, suggesting filling the old reservoir to keep Brogdale’s character.
The council rejected the project, citing road safety, the need for cars, and the desire to avoid urbanizing farmland. Eleven voted against it, while two were for it.
A neighbor called the plans “hare-brained” and praised the councillors’ decision. He believes the farm should help rural workers and opposes another industrial park.
He wants the trust to collaborate with neighbors and supports farm employment, urging them to think carefully. The East Malling Trust had no comment.