Councillors voted to decide the future of two major development schemes in Herne Bay last night.

At a packed meeting at the Guildhall in Canterbury they voted to reject Mark Quinn’s plans for the former golf club site.

Mr Quinn had hoped to build a new sports hub to be the new home for the town’s hockey, cricket, football and tennis clubs, along with 570 homes, new shops, businesses and a pub chain.

Council planning officers had raised fears about more traffic and lack of money to complete major public works for new schools and roads.

The planning committee voted against Mr Quinn’s proposals. Cllr Rosemary Doyle (Con) said: “I would love to see the sports facilities and am all in favour of them.

“But I think this overall application is premature. I would hope that it will be resubmitted when the local plan has gone through.”

Council planners did approve plans for a new 100,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s superstore to be built at the Altira Business Park.

The development by Terrace Hill would also see the construction of 32,000 ft of industrial and retail units, a 16 pump petrol station, and a new pedestrian crossing over the railway at Blacksole Farm.

Council spokesman Robert Davies said: “The council accepts the general principle of development on the golf club site because it has been allocated as such in the draft Local Plan.

“But, it is important that all the Herne Bay development sites in the draft Local Plan are coordinated so that the road and public transport improvements that will be needed are provided at the right time.

“We are aware that some people have suggested that large schemes in Herne Bay are always refused.

“But this is not the case, as can be seen by the fact our planning committee granted the Sainsbury’s application at the same meeting. When a good case has been made that fits with planning rules, we look to grant where we can.”

For an exclusive report from the planning meeting, and full reaction to the decisions, pick up a copy of this week’s Herne Bay Gazette.