Controversial plans to build 47 flats on green land have been approved despite overwhelming opposition from councillors.

The councillors’ vote to refuse the plan for three four-storey buildings in Station Road, Greenhithe was overturned by the National Inspectorate after the developers appealed their decision.

The development will include parking, a communal amenity space and a new access road from Station Road.

Greenhithe and Knockhall Councillor David Mote (Con) said: “I voted against the application along with all the Greenhithe Borough Councillors. Regrettably our refusal was overturned.

“We can reject plans based on certain parameters we are allowed to judge them against. We identified a number of issues but the developers appealed our decision.”

Spokesman for the Swanscombe and Greenhithe Residents Association, Peter Harman, is unhappy about more construction in the village.

He said: “We are very disappointed at the decision. We are also very concerned. There is just far too much development going on in this area.”

In the original vote 18 months ago, nine councillors refused the application with eight in favour, as they concluded the building would be out of character in Greenhithe, detract from the street scene and was of poor architectural standards.

But the Inspectorate overruled the decision, concluding the design was in keeping with the area, the size of the development was acceptable and the inclusion of open space and areas of habitat enhancement for bats and birds was also acceptable.

The flats are near the site where plans for a medical hub in Steel Avenue, Greenhithe, have been submitted.

It also follows the continued creation of Ebbsfleet Garden City, opposite Bluewater Shopping Centre, which will contain 15,000 homes once completed.