Newly elected Labour and Co-operative Group Councillor Zoe Van Dyke has called on the Council to do more to ease the concerns of Parsonage Lane residents in regards to the Manor Farm planning permissions.

There is currently no limit on how long developers can use Parsonage Lane as part of their plans which involve building a new school, a housing estate and converting the listed Manor Farm Barn to a wedding/conference venue and hotel.

Cllr Zoe Van Dyke,  representative for Strood North said: 

“concern has been expressed by residents about the undefined period for which Parsonage Lane will be allowed to be used as a temporary access to the wedding and conference venue.

“This is compounded by worries about the effects of dust from the quarry infill, vehicle fumes, unacceptable noise pollution and or excessive vibration will have on the street.

“We are calling for more to be done to address the concerns of these residents.”

Cllr Stephen Hubbard, representative for Strood North added: 

“We are concerned about the current planning proposals, while supporting the need for a new school in the community. We strongly believe Manor Farm is not a suitable location for a potential new school. 

“We would’ve have preferred a town centre site on Strood Waterfront, which would be much more accessible by public transport, reducing traffic congestion and helping the environment at the same time”