PLANS for a park and ride on the outskirts of Crockenhill have been slammed by Swanley town councillors.

They argue the application for a landscaped park-and-ride with 244 spaces, on Goldsell Road, would not benefit Swanley and the surrounding area.

As a result, councillors sitting on the development control committee unanimously rejected the application.

Pointing out the land was in the green belt, the councillors added the car park would increase traffic in Crockenhill and Swanley.

Further, they said it was not a park-and-ride since the "ride" aspect on the facility was a train journey to London, rather than a bus trip into Swanley.

Fears the development could go ahead have spread through the community because building park- and-rides on green belt land is acceptable, according to Government guidelines.

But Councillor Barbara Wigg said: "We would dispute the assertion this facility is a park and ride."

Councillor Robert Woodbridge said: "My understanding of a park-and-ride is you park your car and take the bus. Seeing as there is no bus, this can't be seen as one."

Sevenoaks District Council was inundated with objections to the proposed park and ride, with 247 people voicing concern in time for the deadline a fortnight ago.

The town council's objection will go back to Sevenoaks District Council for consideration.