AN ENVIRONMENTAL protection group says it will "keep an eye" on proposed development on green belt land.

Privately-owned land in Evenden Road, Meopham, has been earmarked as a potential site for affordable housing.

But objections have already been raised about building nine homes on the protected green belt land.

And more opposition is expected at an information event tonight at St John's Centre, Wrotham Road, where residents will have a chance to learn more about the houses and flats proposed.

Meopham Parish Council clerk Peter Tennyson says he expects the proposed development to cause controversy.

And members of the Dickens Country Protection Society have already expressed concern about the loss of protected land.

The housing is being provided by a partnership between developer Moat Housing, Gravesham Council, Meopham Parish Council and Action for Communities in Rural Kent.

Planning permission will be sought after the consultation.

Gravesham Council supports the development.

Society chairman Robin Theobald hopes safeguards will be put in place so the land will not be exploited.

He is worried the housing could find its way onto the market.

Mr Theobald is also concerned other developers will use this example to argue they should be allowed to build on green belt land.

He said: "It's something we would like to keep an eye on."

Society member Ken Harding said: "I am in favour of affordable housing but if it is on green belt land I am not sure.

"A lot more effort should be put into using brownfield land."

Moat Housing project manager John Phillips expects opposition to the development.

He said: "Other sites will come up in Meopham but at the moment there is only one.

"Through the planning process we will look at any objections and give them due consideration."

The need for up to 35 units of affordable housing was identified in a Housing Needs Survey for Meopham.

So far 10 have been built and tenants are due to move in at the end of the month.

The Evenden Road development would consist of four two-bedroom flats, of which two would be shared ownership and two socially rented.

There would also be two two-bedroom houses and three three-bedroom houses, all socially rented.

All tenant nominations are provided to Moat Housing from the council's common housing register.