VILLAGERS have stormed a construction site after a 6-foot-high fence appeared outside their homes and they were left without explanation.

In a dispute with a property developer over a public right of way, residents have taken direct action.

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Residents of Borden and Grove Park in Kent decided to take matters into their own hands when a footpath was not reopened after the temporary closure was lifted.

Abbey Homes, which is building 50 homes on a nearby farm, had permission from Kent County Council (KCC) to close the footpath for six months from February 10.

But even though the order was lifted on August 10, the route remained blocked by a fence.

Residents gave the developer a few days before pulling back a gate and entering the site on August 14 in the hope of finding a manager.

Among them was Vivien Smith, who said the blockade showed the developer’s “complete disrespect” for the local community.

She added: “The track should have been opened and there are signs outside the settlement clearly indicating when the closure ended, so they have no excuse.”

“That’s why we decided to voice our opinion by visiting the site and trying to find some answers.

“We tried to speak to someone on Saturday (August 10) before we left, but no one was there.”

Meanwhile, local resident Dale Sharman says the closure has been “so difficult” and has forced them to take “uncomfortable” routes that not only took 20 minutes longer but also took them out of the countryside and along busy roads.

The teacher, who used to use the path three to four times a week, said: “I do a lot of walking in the area, walking through Borden to get to Sittingbourne, go to the gym, go shopping… and the lockdowns have made it so difficult.”

“Now I have to go up the A2, with the air pollution and all the traffic and trucks.”

‘CONTEMPT’

Swale councillor Mike Baldock, who is responsible for the area, claimed the situation showed “the contempt that developers have for local residents”.

He said: “This is a well-used footpath that has been here for ages and is part of a large circular path that people can use for walking.”

“It’s just part of the footpath network that people use to get from A to B, but also to walk for relaxation, exercise and active transport – all of the things that the Government is supposed to be encouraging.

“KCC really needs to crack down on these developers.”

The road construction authority, in this case KCC, can require anyone who obstructs a public right of way to remove it.

If the obstruction is not removed, the authority can remove it and charge the associated costs to the person responsible.

However, Abbey Homes applied for a subsequent extension on 13 August – three days after the order ended and one day before residents were allowed to enter the site.

When asked whether Abbey Homes would face a penalty for not reopening or diverting the path, KCC stated that the process of assessing the retrospective application was still ongoing.

A KCC spokesman said: “A temporary closure may be imposed initially for up to six months and may be further extended upon request.”

“KCC has now received a subsequent application from the operator to extend the closure, which is currently being examined.

“In the meantime, the route remains closed to protect the public and KCC is working with the developer to expedite the realignment of the public footpath.

“The public is asked to use alternative routes.”

Another footpath in the area will also be closed for six months due to construction work.

This started on May 18th and runs until November 18th.

The Sun Online has contacted Abbey Homes for comment.

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