AN HISTORIC meadow has been saved from development after widespread protests from local residents and conservationists.

The application to use Banky Meadow in West Malling during construction of the West Malling and Leybourne bypass has been withdrawn.

Kent County Council originally received an application from its own transport unit, in partnership with developers Birse Civils, to strip the land and use it for administration purposes.

The area, believed to be the site of plague burials and an old Roman road, would have been flattened and 14 portable buildings erected. But developers pulled out following widespread opposition, petitions and protests from environmentalists, historians, archaeologists and residents.

Peter Cosier, president of The Malling Society, said he was delighted by the news and the praised the community’s unanimous opposition to plans.

Work on the £28 million bypass scheme is due to start after Easter.

FULL STORY IN FRIDAY'S KENT MESSEMGER