The government's proposal to increase the number of houses being built in Maidstone has been rejected by councillors.

A meeting of the cabinet on Thursday night debated Labour's latest re-writing of the South East Plan.

In it, the government increases Maidstone's 20-year housing quota from 10,080 new homes to 11,080, and changes the wording to make the figure a "minimum" rather than a "target".

But the idea was rejected by councillors who believe it would make Maidstone urban areas too vast and risk the town becoming merged with Medway as the green space between the two is eaten away.

At a previous council meeting on the subject, Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem), declared the re-writing "disgraceful" and said Maidstone was being treated "like a former pit village".

Council leader Cllr Chris Garland (Con) had vowed that the council would make a "robust" challenge, arguing that Maidstone's countryside should be protected.

Two years ago the council opted to accept higher than normal housing targets in return for government cash.