Contentious plans to build 900 homes on farmland could finally get the nod from councillors next week after again being recommended for approval.

Property giant Taylor Wimpey continues its fight with hundreds of residents to build a major housing development on a 135-acre site in Herne Bay .

Last month, Canterbury City Council deferred a decision on the firm's plan to build the houses in Hillborough , off Sweechbridge Road, alongside an 80-bed care home, community centre, shops and land for a new primary school.

The local authority's planning committee came to the decision during a public meeting on July 2 where councillors told officers they wanted to undertake a site visit before reaching a final verdict.

Beltinge councillor Ian Stockley (Con), who represents the neighbouring ward, described the site visit as "valuable" for the elected members who attended.

However, the Conservative member expressed his fears that the site was being "artificially" divided up by several property developers, with further plans expected for hundreds more homes in the area.

Cllr Stockley said: "My gut feeling is we are out-gunned and the developers will get to do more or less what they want."

Nearly 300 letters of objection were sent to the city council from various opponents, including North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale, resident groups and parish councils.

Beltinge Village Action Group has accused developers of "carving up" the land. One member, Maria Stewart, said: "We have insisted again and again that there is an appalling lack of proper infrastructure for a such a large development."

However, Taylor Wimpey says it has "worked closely" with councils and members of the local community in shaping its major housing proposal.

If approved, the firm will contribute £2.2 million towards the much-anticipated A291 Herne Relief Road, a scheme being led by Kent County Council (KCC).

Off-site works are also planned, including a London-bound slip road on the A299 Thanet Way and a new roundabout at the junction of Heart-in-Hand Road, Sweechbridge Road and May Street.

Consequently, KCC highways team have raised no objections. The NHS has not opposed the development either and is likely to receive a cash boost of £837,000 to expand the Heron Medical Practice in Herne Bay.

About 198 of the 900 homes will be classed as affordable, comprising about 22.5% of the total number of properties.

A Taylor Wimpey spokesman said: "We have worked closely with Canterbury City Council, Kent County Council and the local community to ensure that our proposed development meets the needs of the local community.

"We would like to thank everyone who has provided feedback and look forward to the decision on our application next week."

For a second time, Canterbury council officer Steve Musk has recommended the plans be approved by the 13-person planning committee.

In a report published on Monday, Mr Musk said: "The proposals will deliver market housing, as well as affordable housing, which will make a significant contribution to meeting local needs as well as employment floorspace and community facilities and highways improvements."

Canterbury City Council's planning committee will meet virtually to discuss the plans on Tuesday from 5pm.

Read more: All the latest news from Herne Bay