Threats to further delay the construction of homes, shops and restaurants in the heart of Gravesend have been dropped by campaigners.

Civic society Urban Gravesham announced its decision not to take Gravesham council to the appeal courts after its failed attempt to reverse the decision to grant planning permission for the Heritage Quarter plans.

The group said that it "accepted the judge's decision" as they "simply don't have the resources" to take the matter any further.

In a statement, Urban Gravesham said: "There is no denying that the result of the Judicial Review regarding the Heritage Quarter in Gravesend has been great disappointment.

"Despite the magnificent response of our members and supporters, we simply do not have the resources to fight the council and their co-defendant developer allies in Edinburgh House, who are prepared to waste even greater amounts of council tax in their 'win at all costs' attitude.

"We simply do not have the resources to fight the council" - Urban Gravesham

"We are proud of our record, holding the Council’s planning department to account and exposing their cosy relationship with developers and we will continue to fight to give local people a real say in the planning process."

The £120 million development will see homes, shops and restaurants build in Gravesend town centre.

Judge Mr Justice Ouseley ruled last month that Gravesham council had granted planning consent for the regeneration scheme correctly.

The application was brought by Sue Couves, a member of Urban Gravesham, which challenged the permission by the council’s planning committee in April 2013 and its subsequent signing-off by council officers a year later.

More to follow.