Plans to "deconstruct" an old farm in Swanscombe have raised eyebrows with council officials over fears the history of the building will be lost.

The Ebbsfleet Development Corporation recently asked neighbouring councils to consult on a planning application which seeks to demolish Alkerden Barn as they continue their expansion of the Ebbsfleet Garden City project.

Their application also states that any removed materials would be stored for "future use".

However, Dartford Council has flagged a number of issues with the proposed works, backing the concerns of residents who are opposed to the loss of the historic structure.

MORE: Row over plans to demolish old farm in Swanscombe

In a letter sent to the planning giant, a senior council officer echoed concerns that Alkerden Barn is an "important building" within the borough and that this should be considered as part of their plan.

It read: "Based on the advice from the council’s conservation architect, the council considers that the building should be repaired and left in-situ.

"Any removal of the building for reconstruction at another spot or even at a different vertical level would result in the complete loss of all historical context and is likely to result in the loss of much of the original fabric.

"Furthermore, the Council consider that the remaining setting of the building needs to be assessed and protected to prevent further loss of the non-designated asset."

Plans to bring down Alkerden Barn have been met with fierce opposition in the past with villagers, seething at the thought of losing local heritage, lodging numerous objections online.

One objector wrote: "Having lived until recently in Swanscombe, I am horrified that this farm can be considered surplus to requirements.

"Another piece of history eradicated.

"Any development needs to carefully consider the needs of the community.

"A restored farmhouse would be far more worthy than dismantling and reassembling elsewhere."

MORE: Dartford Steam Rally 2019 cancelled as insurer pulls out

Swanscombe & Greenhithe Town Council also voiced strong objection to the plan, stating that: "Whilst it is imperative that the building/materials should be protected it should also be recognised that a large part of the historic importance of the building is its iconic significance to the community and not just the bricks and mortar.

"The Town Council feel that it is well within the developers’ gift to seek, and find, an alternative route for the access road rather than this proposal."