Villagers will not have to tolerate people from Gravesend moving into new homes in the green belt, a councillor promised a meeting in Gravesham last night.

Mike Snelling (Con), leader of the Gravesend council until the last election, told the rural housing meeting new rules had been introduced by the present government that allowed villagers to control incoming residents.

Speaking in St John's church, Meopham, Cllr Snelling told a 200-strong audience council tenants would not have the right to demand to live in affordable housing in villages.

"Someone living in King's Farm can't say they would like to move here unless they could show they had a local connection," he promised, referring to Meopham's nearest council estate.

It follows a concerted campaign last year that collected 9,000 signatures against any developments in the green belt around Meopham, Higham, Culverstone or Chalk.

The council has agreed to oppose all rural developments.

But last night's meeting heard there could be some building in protected areas. It would meet local needs for homes for children and elderly residents who could not afford to buy at market prices.