God and a logistics developer are going to battle in a Kent village.
Axa Real Estate and partner DMI Properties are embroiled in a row over a 1.7m sq ft logistics development at Sevington, near Ashford.
The dispute – which could derail the development – involves payment to mitigate what Historic England call “very serious harm” the proposals would do to Sevington’s Grade 1 listed Norman church, St Mary's (pictured).
The developers have offered a £117,000 payment to the church. However, late last week the proposal was rejected by the diocese of Canterbury, who insist a £300,000 payment be made.
The site is close to a proposed new junction 10a for the M20 motorway. The site has been associated with Amazon, although both the local council and Amazon have denied that any deals has been agreed.
A planning application was submitted to Ashford council in September 2015 and a decision is expected later this April.
