The town council could retract a decision to support the controversial Perry Court Farm development.

In yet another shock U-turn, it has emerged that the council will reconsider its unpopular move to back plans for 310 homes, a 100-bed hotel and a care home in greenfield land.

The judgment, with six councillors voting to support the development, provoked fury, with posters emblazoned with NO TO PERRY COURT seen in windows and residents calling the decision “horrifying”.

At last month’s council meeting, members followed planning consultant John Sell’s suggestion that they might be able to retain some control on the vast development if they gave it their support.

But councillors will look again at the plans at Monday’s council meeting.

The proposal, which would swallow up a greenfield spot, was unanimously rejected last year but, with increasing demand to meet the housing supply, councillors bowed to the pressure.

In June, the planning inspector controversially approved an appeal for 63 houses in Brogdale Road, which is south of the A2 and previously a taboo area for development.

The inspector had said that the borough council’s emerging Local Plan was “out of date” and held “very little weight”.

However, Cllr David Simmons (Con) voted to object to the plans and said the council should be “talking as the town council and deciding what is best for Faversham.”

“Let us take this chance to create a better future for all of the issues raised and ensure that Faversham remains the jewel in Swale’s crown."

Joan Tovey, of Brogdale Road, said: “We are horrified that this huge housing development has been supported.

“It appears that the days when Faversham Town Council could be relied upon to protect Faversham and its residents is a thing of the past.

“Shame on you, decision-makers.”

But Cllr Ben Martin (Independent) believes the council has made the right decision.

He said: “At the general election, there was an opportunity given to every person in this country eligible to vote a choice. The majority elected our government, one which in the run up to the election was specific and clear in their manifesto.

“David Cameron stated that he was going to resolve the housing crisis. He pledged to build millions of new homes. Did you honestly believe that he did not mean little old Faversham? And that just saying NO, without a plan or strategy would suffice?”

Cllr Martin says that the town council respects the voters’ wishes and intends to find the best deal for the town.

He adds: “Looking at this latest issue at Perry Court Farm with fresh eyes there is an opportunity to insist on new schools, new infrastructure and new jobs for the town but only if the situation is handled correctly.

“Let us take this chance to create a better future for all of the issues raised and ensure that Faversham remains the jewel in Swale’s crown.

“It is not inconceivable that we could achieve a legacy to be proud of.”

Once the town council has made its decision, the plans will be in the hands of Swale Borough Council. The plans can be seen at pa.midkent.gov.uk/ searching for reference 15/504264/OUT.