Neighbours gave a glowing tribute to gypsies - claiming they had tidied up a rat-infested area.

The Vine family had asked a council for permanent permission to stay on their land on Chalk Road, Higham, with two mobile homes, a caravan, utility room and stables.

And, after a small amount of wrangling, the move was approved by Gravesham council's planning committee.

The level of support from neighbours was said to be unknown by council leader John Burden in all his years on planning committees.

Councillors heard that in 2007, John and Ann Vine, along with their four children – Annie, Lacey, Tilley-Marie and Jack – were given temporary permission at appeal, having been refused by Gravesham council.

This was renewed by the council in 2011.

The children attend schools including Northfleet School for Girls and Higham Primary School.

But at the recent meeting they asked for assurances they wouldn't be moved on.

Mrs Vine said the family had spent thousands of pounds on clearing the site - once a rat-infested dumping ground, and had landscaped the area which includes planting, a driveway and fences around the homes.

Neighbour Barbara Cousins said the site had been significantly improved and made tidier, and asked the council to grant permanent permission.

Gravesham council leader Cllr John Burden (Lab) said it was “refreshing” to hear such views about gypsies.

Higham Parish Council councillor John Grey was “fearful a precedent could be set” and said the council’s main concern was the “protection of the greenbelt”.

Cllr Burden said he could not think of another example of neighbours supporting a planning application for a gypsy site in all his years on planning committee meetings.

He told Cllr Grey: “I’m minded to ignore everything you’ve said and approve the application.”

Permanent planning approval was granted unanimously.