Controversial plans for a 950-home development have been given the green light after a public inquiry.

The proposal included a new primary school, replacement sports pitches with changing facilities, green space, and allotments.

Plans for the Bushey Wood site in Eccles were sent to the Planning Inspectorate after an appeal was lodged.

On Tuesday, inspector Deborah Board’s decision to uphold development was announced.

Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch said the decision will be “bombshell” news for residents.

She said: “I am sorry to say that the Planning Inspector has upheld the appeal to build 950 houses in Eccles.

“This will be an enormous disappointment to residents who opposed this development. I am sad that the unique semi-rural characteristic of the villages will be lost forever.

“However, I think it is important to take this opportunity to thank those who have worked hard to fight this development and especially those who presented brilliantly to the Inspector.

“Once the dust settles on this bombshell news, it is important to work out how we can shape the details of the application to make sure it works well for Eccles.”

During the appeal, Ms Board made three visits to the site, one a walk around on her own before the inquiry began, a second in the company of the various parties involved, and a third after dark to assess the impact the development might have on the night sky.

The developer, Trenport, lodged an appeal with the planning inspectorate when Tonbridge and Malling council failed to determine its outline application within the statutory period – a move which was strongly condemned by council leader Matt Boughton who accused the firm of seeking to avoid the democratic process.

The scheme was opposed by most existing residents of Eccles who feared that such a large development would dwarf their tiny village, adding undue traffic pressure on local roads and moving the primary school away from the centre of the village.

More than 800 letters of objection were lodged – 48 more than the 792 population of Eccles.

In an attempt to fight the proposals, Eccles Action Group was formed and £1,400 was raised and used to engage a planning consultant to advise on the presentations they should make at the planning inquiry.

Villagers weren’t happy with Trenport’s plans to demolish the existing St Mark’s Primary School, which is only 21 years old, and which is within easy walking distance of the village, and replace it with a larger school on the periphery.