County councillors have endorsed plans to charge for non-household waste at tips despite 85% of residents disagreeing with the idea.

Members of Kent County Council's environment and transport cabinet committee signalled their support for the introduction of fees at household waste and recycling centres for rubble and soil by 9-2.

Five others attending the meeting abstained.

KCC run 18 tips across the county, which collect around 185,000 tonnes of waste, costing around £10 million to the taxpayer.

In a bid to save money, KCC plan to charge £4 per bag for soil, rubble and hardcore and £6 per bag of plasterboard.

This goes against the views of residents on the consultation as around 2,300 people disagreed with the plans due to fear of increased fly-tipping.

A survey of local authorities that already charge for this waste found there had been no impact on fly-tipping.

Despite being on the cross-party working group that endorsed the idea, Cllr Barry Lewis (Lab) says he was convinced by his constituents to vote against the plans.

He said: "I'm a democrat. I don't always tow the party line.

"I first agreed with this but I have had a lot of response from people in Margate worried about fly-tipping.

"I'm not convinced by so-called experts that this won't increase fly-tipping.

"I will support my residents because they have been able to change my mind.

"I think as politicians we should be able to change our minds and not just follow the party whip."

Fellow member of the group and representative of the Green party, Cllr Martin Whybrow, said while he would not like to charge for this in an "ideal world", the council needs the money due to austerity.

He said: "We have done a public consultation that has been very well responded to and there was a very clear consensus with a very clear message back from residents.

"Although I am torn, overall we should be supporting this.

"I am always very reluctant to go against such a clear message from a consultation but the message was very much that fly-tipping was the concern.

"I think that when we do look at experts, and I do believe we should follow the guidance of experts, we probably should be reassured and support this motion."

Since KCC introduced charges for tyres in 2012, there has not been a hike in people dumping waste.

Cllr Whybrow added: "We must not forget that we do need to invest in these sites because a lot of them are at capacity, there is new equipment that is needed and this money that will be generated will be ringfenced for that purpose."

A final decision on the proposals is due to be made no later than February 5.