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Campaigners set to battle 'worst planning application in history' at Cobham Lodge, Gravesend

Campaigners are preparing to battle plans to build 64 apartments near their homes once more.

An application to knock down Cobham Lodge in Valley Drive, Gravesend, was initially submitted to the council in February last year but the final decision was deferred in September.

Now the plans for the two and three storey blocks of flats, which would replace the current £1 million property near the landmark Nell's Cafe, are set to go back in front of planning committee tonight.

Artists impressions for possible apartments at Cobham Lodge, in Valley Drive, Gravesend (15563553)
Artists impressions for possible apartments at Cobham Lodge, in Valley Drive, Gravesend (15563553)

If approved the scheme would create 20 one-bedroom, 41 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom flats - but residents have been urged to resist the scheme, which many say will create noise, disturbance, ruin privacy, bring increased traffic and lead to overcrowding.

There is expected to be a large turnout with placard bearing protestors cramming into the public gallery to listen to proceedings.

A poster from Residents Against Inappropriate Development said: "this proposal has to be the worst application that we have seen in planning history - a housing estate placed between a row of character detached properties.

"One beautiful detached home demolished and replaced with 64 two and three-storey flats - a family home becoming home to potentially 120 residents - ask yourself how would you feel with that being placed on the other side of your garden fence."

They added: "We the residents ask that the application be refused for the second time and for common sense and common decency to prevail."

Earlier this year residents gathered in force to object to the plans, and the application has drawn more than 200 objections online.

Angry residents protesting about planning at Cobham Lodge next to Nell's Cafe, Marling Cross, Watling St, Gravesend. Picture: Andy Jones. (15967930)
Angry residents protesting about planning at Cobham Lodge next to Nell's Cafe, Marling Cross, Watling St, Gravesend. Picture: Andy Jones. (15967930)

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