Residents are kick starting their campaign for a second time as their beloved orchards face being turned into a housing estate.

The orchards off Pump Lane, in Rainham, are under threat of 1,250 homes being built on the 126 acres owned by Fruit farmers AC Goatham and Son. The company are appealing against Medway Council’s decision to scrap the development.

With the 16 November ‘representation’ deadline looming ahead, members of a local Steering Group are encouraging people to object to the company’s appeal.

Kate Belmonte, member of the steering group said: “I was enraged that the largest orchard left in Lower Rainham, was at threat despite it having healthy and productive soil. 

“The tactic of selling agricultural land across the country has increased as the desire to build on virgin soil has increased due to developer’s greed.”

Over 3,000 people have made complaints so far, after the initial plans ignited concerns over the development’s impact on pollution, loss of wildlife and agriculture, historical landmarks and traffic congestion.

For one resident, Roger Marson, the orchards have become a place of escape – especially through lockdown. He has found that the farmland acts as a tonic allowing him to destress.

Mr Marson said: “I forgot about lockdown and became very aware of nature, seeing the apple orchards change, seeing the blossom come and go and the fruit growing and then the fruit being picked and now the leaves turning.

“I found it far more therapeutic than I ever expected.”

In times like these, people are finding that saving the countryside is more important than ever for mental wellbeing. It is this reason which has featured in many objections, including Marson’s.

He added: “The thought of the orchards being built over and the countryside being ruined for ever just for the sake of someone making lots of money fills me with dread.

“I’ve found myself starting to feel quite angry and anxious about it.”

Members of the steering group are urging Gillingham and Rainham MP, Rehman Chishti, who has been outspoken about the development, to lobby the Housing and Community Minister Robert Jenrick.

With the deadline fast approaching, the group have issued a YouTube video titled, “Don’t let this be the last harvest.” Members have also been distributing posters and leaflets to residents.

Ila Hewitt, a member of the steering group said: “The main thing is increasing and spreading the word about it.“

She also said they would welcome residents who want to join in the efforts by simply offering to put a poster up in their window or distributing leaflets.

However, Ms Hewitt adds: “The most important thing at this stage is everyone makes a representation, that individually says I feel this shouldn’t be allowed to go ahead.”

Goatham who has a base at Hoo St Werburgh and farms across Kent, has also applied for a two form-entry primary school, a 60-bed extra care facility, an 80-bed care home, hall and village green.

Nobody from AC Goatham and Son was available to comment.

All objections to the planning inspectorate must be submitted by Monday 16 November and can be completed online.  Advice is available on the Steering Group’s Facebook on how to make a ‘representation.’

The reference is APP/A2280/W/20/3259868 and the Medway Planning reference is MC/19/1566.