Anger over car park expansion plans in Eynsford

CAMPAIGNERS in Eynsford say they are prepared to do everything they can to stop a planned extension of Lullingstone Visitors Centre car park.

Proposals from Kent County Council to almost triple the number of spaces have been met with fierce opposition.

Objections to the plans, which are on Green Belt land and in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, have come in from several groups.

Vice-chairman of Eynsford Parish Council Dr John Harris warned that with so much opposition to the plans, a large protest could be on the cards.

"If Kent [County Council] does decide to go ahead with this there will be trouble," he said.

Documents produced by the county council outline plans to increase the number of spaces from 45 to 126. Currently when the car park overflows, a nearby field is opened up. Council plans intend to add tar spray and grit surfacing to a larger area for an extra 77 car spaces and four disabled bays, to add to the three coach spaces and two disabled areas currently there.

Councillors are also concerned about the uses of the centre, which was recently granted an alcohol licence and has started advertising the venue for business conferences.

County councillor for Eynsford Roger Gough supported the protestors and told the Chronicle: "I think the plans are damaging to the village scene.

"The case for the extension was not properly made and I am severely disappointed with the way the council dealt with it.

"I think we have a good chance to raise our points. Our argument it a good one."

At a meeting between the county council and parish council representatives last week a string of people spoke out against the plans.

Dick Croydon, of Shoreham Parish Council, said: "We are not against change, and we are not saying we have to go back to square one.

"The parish council feels this is a bit drastic."

Audrey Gee, of the Eynsford Village Society, said the overflow car park was only used during the summer.

She said: "I think it is unnecessary to cover the area in tarmac all year round for something that is only used a few times a year."

"I'm also concerned about the increased traffic this would bring to the narrow lanes around here."

Nigel Britten, of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, added: "Matters like these should go to public inquiry so that all sides have a chance to put their views forward.

"The area is Green Belt, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is of archaeological important. It should be protected."

In response, the county council said the plans would "only lead to a marginal impact on the openness of the Green Belt".

As a result of the plans being on Green Belt land, it has also opted to refer the proposals to Communities Secretary Hazel Blears.

The centre was built by Sevenoaks District Council in 1991 but switched hands to the county council in 2005.