Not perfick – that is the view of villagers who are opposing plans for Buss Farm, where The Darling Buds of May was filmed.

Bethersden Parish Council has objected to the application by farm owner Simon Coulson for Darling Buds-themed holiday accommodation plus the conversion of farm buildings. Mr Coulson also wants to erect a barn for public events.

Ashford council has received 59 letters of objection and 19 of support plus other comments.

In a statement to the borough council, the parish council said it objected on traffic grounds.

It also said: "The proposal to hold various events, weddings, functions and festivals of an unknown quantity and scale are unacceptable.

"This applies to the noise and disturbance which these activities would generate in what is a quiet rural area."

The parish council added it had no objection to the upgrading of the old buildings or, in principle, to limited holiday lets, but they should be "on a scale commensurate with the location".

Mr Coulson, who spoke at the parish council meeting, said he had been visited by a borough council planning inspector and was waiting for the feedback.

"We are waiting for their official line before we decide what to do," he said. "I am considering my position."

Mr Coulson added there had been a lot of scaremongering about his plans.

"Everyone is fearing the worst," he said. "There would be nothing on the scale of the annual car rally, which has been going for 18 years."

The application will be decided on shortly by the borough council.