Controversial plans to build eight flats on a patch of grass in a village have been recommended for approval – despite receiving more than 500 objections.

Gravesham council applied for planning permission to construct the homes on the one-acre plot, which is classed as amenity space, in Istead Rise, near Gravesend, in February.

It proposes to create a mix of one- and two-bedroom rented affordable apartments in an L-shaped block between Bramley Close and Worcester Close, near the car park for Downs Way Medical Practice.

The application also includes new vehicle and pedestrian access, private and communal amenity space, parking for 10 cars and eight bicycles and a refuse storage area.

There are also plans to re-instate a public bridleway which has become overgrown and inaccessible, if the application is approved.

A decision was expected by April but as it is a council application it has been referred to its planning committee.

Following a public consultation in November last year, 536 responses were received – 30 in support of the scheme and 505 against.

Those favouring said there was a need for affordable housing in the area, the building would be close to amenities such as shops and doctors, it was of a good design and a great use of space.

However, those against it raised concerns over the loss of green and open space, claimed it was overdeveloped and a cramped site, and there was not enough social infrastructure.

Countryside charity CPRE Kent was also consulted on the project and raised concerns over the lack of sustainability, poor transport lines and loss of green space.

The planning report states: ”CPRE Kent supports the building of social housing in the rural area but after looking at the application in detail it is clear that under planning law there are no grounds at all for approving this application.

“Should the council choose to ignore planning law and approve this application it will set a precedent that it could well regret for many years to come.”

Despite this, council officers have said it is in a sustainable location. The report added: “In this case the loss of the informal parcel of amenity land as part of this development is considered acceptable and is outweighed by the established housing need within the borough.

“The proposal is a sustainable form of development that accords with national and local policy planning policy and will provide a 100% affordable rent scheme within the rural area of Gravesend.”

The submitted design and access statement also claims the site is in “a sustainable location” within the village. It adds: “The proposal will make the most efficient use of a piece of under-used land.”

The application was set to be discussed at planning committee on Wednesday, June 14, but the item was withdrawn and discussion deferred until a later date.

It has been recommended for delegation to officers for approval subject to conditions and the completion of a planning agreement.