Marlon Brando 'would have opposed Selling development'

The late Hollywood legend Marlon Brando could help residents of a picturesque Kent village fight a planned industrial development from beyond the grave.

The Oscar-winning star of The Godfather was himself godfather to a boy in Selling and visited the village in the 1980s.

His former assistant Caroline Barrett has objected to plans to build a warehouse and car park next to fields.

She said Brando would have objected as well were he alive.

The application for the warehouse and distribution centre with 23 parking spaces is off a lane leading to Owens Court.

Dozens of other objections have been made to Swale Borough Council against the plans, which were lodged last month.

Ms Barrett, who lives in Los Angeles, said the village, near Faversham, was a favourite haunt of Brando, who died in 2004 at the age of 80.

"We came to Selling intending to stay for a weekend but Mr Brando loved it so much we stayed for nearly six months," she said in her objection.

"He fell in love with your beautiful countryside and in particular Owens Court and the little lane serving it.

"We walked regularly down this lane enjoying the landscapes and admiring your stunning beamed Tudor houses and farm buildings."

Ms Barrett, who still visits the area twice a year, said the application had caused her great sadness.

"I will not visit the area any more if this happens," she said.

"If Marlon Brando was still alive I know he would be objecting also.

"Please don't ruin this little idyllic lane with all its historical background."

Consultants Hobbs Parker have said using the site for storage and distribution would create less traffic than other uses.

If approved, the development would include landscaping to disguise the parking area.