Hundreds of letters and emails have flooded into Gravesham council at its proposals to use greenfield sites for housing in the future.

The council has been testing various theories on where development can take place, leading to considerable anger in the rural areas of Gravesham as people have fought to protect Green Belt and village life.

A spokesman for the council said: "Gravesham Borough Council has been delighted with the level of participation to the planning consultation over the future development of the borough."

The deadline for public comment is December 22.

The letters, emails and completed questionnaires are being processed. Many more are expected before the doors finally close next Thursday at 5pm.

Kevin Burbidge, one of the council’s directors, said: "The response is very encouraging. The public has clearly been engaged in the process."

After the cabinet has discussed the comments there will be another chance to influence the proposals before the Secretary of State rules on the right to build on the countryside at the end of next year.

Mr Burbidge received submissions from people in Riverview, Shorne, Higham and Meopham yesterday (see above).

Planners are looking at the need to build between 4,600 and 9,900 houses in the next 20 years. Between 320 and 920 could be proposed on green belt and greenfield sites.