COUNCILLORS have sided with residents’ objections by unanimously throwing out an application to build 20 homes on green belt land.

Despite being recommended for approval, FC Starks Ltd’s plan to develop 14 houses and 6 flats at the former Darenth Mill industrial site in Darenth Road, Darenth was refused at a Dartford Council development control board meeting.

Around 10 letters of objection were sent from neighbouring households raising concerns about inappropriate development on green belt land as well as the 1.13 hectare site’s proximity to Mill House, a Grade II listed building.

While councillors found no issue with building on the northern part of the land, which was previously covered in commercial buildings, they were concerned by the encroachment on green belt land to the south of the site.

A similar application was refused in 2005 but the decision was overturned on appeal.

During the meeting Councillor Ian Armitt likened the plan to something which would be more suitable for London’s Docklands, saying any development would be “a blot on the landscape”.

He said: “There’s no connection with the rural setting they are proposing this be placed.

“This is one of the most attractive parts of Darenth.

“It would have an unacceptable impact on the quality of life for residents in the immediate vicinity.”

Councillor Roger Perfitt said: “This needs to be kept as it is now.

“It’s plain and simple. There’s no special reason to have this on green belt.”

Nigel Tedder, the agent representing the applicant, did not wish to comment on the councillors’ decision.