Ten thousand shrubs will be planted to help disguise a Medway prison from public view.

The final touches to expansion plans at Rochester Young Offenders’ Institute, Borstal were approved at a meeting on Wednesday.

Once completed the expanded prison will have space for an extra 300 inmates aged 18 to 21.

The work so far has angered residents living nearby who complain the lighting is too glaring.

Landscaping around the perimeter fence, they say, does not adequately hide the new buildings.

The residents wanted cladding put up around the fence to prevent overlooking.

A spokesman for Medway Council said: “The landscaping plans have been approved, which means up to 10,000 shrubs and trees will be planted.

"The security lighting scheme has also been approved but on basis that additional mesh is installed to reduce the impact on residents.

“Within two months of the lights being switched on, a site inspection will be carried out by the council and prison authority, and any problems dealt with.

“Article number four, which removes the prison’s planning rights, was also agreed by members.

"Their recommendation goes to the secretary of state who will now decide if this is approved.

"This means that for any future developments (lights, walls and fencing) the prison will need to apply for planning permission.”