“Welcome to the new and improved Nazi Germany, which in this case is none other than England.”

“Maggie, Five Oak Green -

If you look at the application you will appreciate how much work has gone into it and how much care the Watsons have taken with all the legal, social and environmental aspects that needed to be considered. Employing professionals to assist with this would have been very expensive and I suspect the build costs would be funded through a development loan or mortgage. It seems pithy to suggest that there is ¿more going on than meets the eye¿. You might want to look closer to home for a hidden agenda (your own or the local residents).

It is a pity that the CPRE is so bereft of specific points to back their argument for refusal. One might expect such a body to present clear and coherent arguments on the pros and cons of such a development and offer some advice on how to resolve some of the issues. The KCC consultation appears to have produced a far more thorough, balanced and constructive document. If the people who are against the development were to objectively consider the legal and social arguments involved, the only reasonable conclusion would be how spurious their objections are.

The fact of the matter is that the South East faces an acute housing shortage and it is the responsibility of all communities, urban and rural, to address this - even if it means a small compromise of our own personal circumstances. One can easily see that if there is to be development in the area then this is an ideal site for it and objections on the grounds presented so far are nothing short of selfish driven by a 'not in my back yard' mentality.

One can only hope the local authority will consider reasoned arguments in determining the application and ignore the hysterical emotions if its detractors. The site should be allowed to be developed but whoever does this should strive to make it the best development possible - with or without the local residents cooperation.

Good luck and best wishes to the Watsons with thier project and the baby.”

“Watsons dont sell the land, clear the trees to improve all round views onto your land, it not an 'orchard' that one shoreham resident would prefer to see, also all the trees would obscure the view of the five large sized caravans that you are legally entitled to house on the plot (for sure), throw in a few derilict cars and odd bulding materials, reapply for planning in 18 months to a year, buld the houses sell them and move from the petty small minded community that is shoreham (with a very small s)”

“I do not understand the problem here. Somebody wants to build a family home ON LAND THEY OWN. They are not going to build an ugly industrial unit.... Or something similar.

They are lovely people and would have made fantastic Neighbours.

Better the devil you know people of Shoreham.”

“Welcome to 2010 Shoreham residents.”

“The people of Shoreham will soon have a lot more to worry about with a massive international freight depot about to be built down the road...I think they should put all their resources into stopping that rather than worrying about a couple of houses. This freight depot will wipe out the whole village in time if it goes ahead.”

“Can people please stop presuming that Shoreham residents are being snobbish and unreasonable about this development? We are unhappy about the size of the proposal and that the buildings are not in keeping with this historic area in any way. This is one of many planning applications that have been submitted over the years not just something this couple have decided to do recently and each time the applications have been turned down for justifiable reasons. Last year local people received information from this family advising us that they had no intention of developing the land it was to be kept for there grandchildren as it has been for many years so forgive is if we¿re now sceptical. If the Watson¿s really wanted to live in this village and on this particular piece of land they would want to live in a home which blended with those around them suitably. I love this village and in particular living is a street full of the best neighbours anyone could want, we are unanimous in our love of this area and why shouldn¿t we have an opinion about changes to it? I feel it is presumptuous to sell your house on the strength of possible planning permission especially newlywed and with children on the way, why is this being used to gain sympathy? Did anyone ask you to put yourself in this position?. We are all entitled to freedom of speech but comments on this article have just decided that Shoreham residents are bullies. I am not some super rich NIMBY with my nose pointing to the sky, I work hard to live in this village so surely I¿m entitled to have some say in what affects my home and those of my friends/neighbours.”

“I wonder if the local people would have reacted differently if it had been one of their own children who wished to be brave enough to fulfil their dream and build their own home. As a child I was taught by my father, whenever there was a dispute, to try to put myself in the other persons shoes. I am proud to say that this was Mr Watson's Grandfather, and Mr Watson follows in his footsteps.”

“Reading the comment from Mr S. from Kent who is obviously a resident from Shoreham but has not the 'guts' to put in their full name only the termerity to attack the hard working youngsters for wanting to live and bring up a family in the village from where there is history relating to the family. I for one of many, feel very sorry for them in not being able to realise their future dreams but I am even more sorry for the behaviour of the petty mindedness of the residents which, if things had been different, would have been their neibours. Each and every one of the Shoreham vigilanty, small minded as they are, should bow their heads in abject shame because one day they will look to the younger element in the community for help when they become very old and infirm and when no help comes their aid or assistance they might reflect on how they have treated this young couple and know what is like to be cast asside.”

“Nice to see that the Watsons' little sob story is having the desired effect against the nasty Shoreham residents. Maybe the people condemning the villagers should have a look at the size and position of the plot of land before commenting.”