A RESIDENTIAL development at the former Mabledon Hospital site has been postponed because it may damage the surrounding Green Belt area and an ancient woodland.

The development at Green Street Green Road, in Darenth, which would include a crematorium, would be next to Darenth Woods a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with several rare animals.

John Prescott, Secretary of Sate for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, put a holding order on the development after Darenth Parish Council and a number of groups including English Nature objected.

A parish council spokesman said: Darenth Woods will be harmed by a crematorium and housing development with additional traffic pollution harming wildlife, as well as local children.

And an English Nature spokesman said: There is a risk the adjacent development would have indirect effects on Darenth Woods which supports several rare woodland types and a range of scarce invertebrate.

There is also a risk of unauthorised dumping of waste.

Dr Stoate who opposes the development welcomed the Secretary of States decision saying: I am far from convinced this community could absorb a new housing development on this scale.

The holding order indicates John Prescott recognises the scale of the impact these plans would have on the local community.