Public inquiry into former farmland begins

Campaigners are seeking protected village green status for Bunyards Farm, near Maidstone

A public inquiry brought by campaigners fighting to preserve a stretch of former farmland against hundreds of homes being built has begun.

The campaigners are seeking protected village green status for Bunyards Farm, near Maidstone, where there is outline planning permission for 435 houses.

They say the land has been in common use by dog walkers, kite flyers and berry pickers for two decades - the time required for village green status under the Commons Act 2006.

Their claim is being contested by the landowner, Andrew Cheale Will Trust, and developer BDW Trading Ltd.

Mr Edwards KC, acting for the landowner, told the inquiry the land was last used “intensively” in 1998 but has since been used for other activities such as horse grazing and hay-making.

The campaigners' case, being heard by an independent inspector, was put together by members of Medway Ecological Riverine Link (Merlin) and volunteers.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the campaigners will need to demonstrate the landowner did not make it clear the public was not allowed to use the site.

Kent County Council is the relevant local authority which deals with village green status.

The inquiry at County Hall in Maidstone is expected to last for four days before the inspector considers her recommendation.

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