MORE THAN 250 people have protested against plans for a housing development they believe will pose a “danger to residents and children”.

In June South East Living applied to Dartford Council for outline permission to build eight four-bedroom houses behind Joydens Wood Road in Wilmington.

It proposes to demolish 64 and 66 Joydens Wood Road and build the detached houses on land in the gardens of 62 to 68, as well 26 and 28 Birchwood Drive.

It also wants to build a road connecting the development to Joydens Wood Road.

A petition with 274 signatures against the application was sent to Dartford Council in July, and on Saturday (November 1)there was a protest in Joydens Wood Road.

They fear an increase in traffic will pose a danger to residents and children, as there is an infant and junior school nearby.

Joydens Wood Road resident Mr Smith wrote to the council, saying: “Any further increase in traffic intensity in Joydens Wood Road and its vicinity will represent an unacceptable burden and danger to its residents and children.”

Residents are also concerned an influx of new families will cause over-subscription at the local schools and GP practices.

In a letter to the council Hanbury Walk resident Tony Steward wrote: “The schools are over-subscribed, the doctors are flat-out and the local shops are barely reachable due to the sheer volume of people in such a small residential area.

“I cannot believe that consideration could possibly be given to an increase in housing here.”

Wilmington Parish Council and Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate are also against the plans, with both writing to Dartford Council to voice their opposition.

The owners of the properties on the land earmarked for construction have agreed to sell to South East Living if planning permission is granted, according to its chief executive Nigel Styles.

He said: “We want to provide quality, much needed family housing in the area.”

In 1990 and 2005 other developers had applications to build houses on the site rejected.

Dartford Council’s development control board will decide whether or not to approve the planning application on Thursday (November 6).

Its planning department has recommended approval.