Movie actress Jenny Agutter has spoken out against the Kent International Gateway Project, comparing life in Bearsted to the idyllic life she portrayed in the epic film The Railway Children.

The actress, famous for her portrayal as one of the Railway Children in the 1978 screen version of E. Nesbit’s story, used to live in Bearsted.

She wrote a letter to the inquiry which was read out by Bearsted resident Angela Legood.

Miss Agutter said: "When I was making the film of The Railway Children my family had just returned to the UK, after living for a number of years in Cyprus.

"My parents found a house in Bearsted, so as a teenager I was lucky enough to enjoy this very special village.

"Our home was in Church Lane just off the Green, and I have happy memories of being there, and being a part of this community centred on the local church and the historic green.

"I am distressed to find that this village life, which has up to now retained much of its rural charm, is threatened with the huge KIG development, running from behind the Green to Junction 8 of the M20.

"So many people are still moved by Lionel Jeffries’ film of Edith Nesbit’s touching story of The Railway Children.

"Nesbit captures an idyllic and quintessentially English life, which values the small community above all.

"Although the past cannot, and in many cases should not be preserved, we need to fight for some of the things we care about.

"We are fortunate that strong village communities such as Bearsted still exist, and even flourish.

"Nesbit, who lived in Kent as a child, often talked of the changes to come; some she embraced others she found less than good form.

"I am sure she would have found the idea of an industrial site being built so close to this community appalling.

"The massive gantries moving huge containers night and day, HGV’s manoeuvring rural lanes and this enormous site lit up through the night by enough lights to illuminate 45 Wembley stadiums!

"Although I no longer live in the area I have fond memories of Bearsted and believe our countryside matters, and that it is important to protect such a special place for future generations.

"I understand that Bearsted Woodland Trust has created a beautiful area, including a children’s playground and maze, above the Elizabeth Harvey field which was left for local children to enjoy for ever, and that the fields of Miss Moore’s riding stables near Roundwell are to be bequeathed to BWT for the same purpose, but because they are so close to the KIG development these sites will be spoilt.

"I am sorry that I have only just heard about this extraordinarily brutal piece of development. I say brutal because it is so completely at odds with the environment in which it is being placed.

"Surely an alternative site could have been found. I only hope I am not too late to add my voice to the families fighting to save Bearsted."