A local authority in Kent has vowed to fight a property developer over controversial plans to build 250 houses on farmland.

Last night, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council's planning committee unanimously voted against a scheme put forward by Wates Developments to build the major housing estate on a 45-acre site made up of two large fields in East Malling , south of the A20 London Road.

The 19 elected members went against the recommendations of their officers, who had warned about the significant shortfall in housing land supply as the Conservative government says Tonbridge council currently has a deficit of 2,145 homes.

Following yesterday's virtual public meeting, the plans for the land - known locally as Forty Acres - will be subject to a public inquiry in four months' time.

Aylesford councillor Andrew Kennedy (Con), who represents the area at district level, said: "It's important to resolve this issue once and for all. If we win, we will have stood up for democracy and accountability in our community."

More than 1,000 residents have raised objections and the committee decided to defer the plans on July 9. Following the July meeting, Wates Developments lodged an appeal to Local Government Secretary Robert Jenrick.

Cllr Des Keers (Con), who proposed to refuse the plans yesterday, said the scheme was "unacceptably" prejudiced against a key objective of the council's draft local plan - to see green belt land extended across the district.

"I think we have a very, very difficult case to make..."

Speaking to his planning committee colleagues, he said: "This land should become protected and part of the Green Belt.

"It is unfortunate this application has risen now at a time when officers tell us we cannot use this as a basis to refuse this application."

He added: "Whilst it is entirely proper they should advise us as they think best, it is ultimately our decision to make as elected borough members."

The motion was widely supported by councillors from across all the political divide, including the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Labour parties.

Larkfield councillor Trudy Dean (Lib Dem) said it was for "officers to advise and members to decide" while Cllr Kennedy said he was dismayed at the "bullying" "aggressive" attitude of property developers to the needs of the community.

In early August, Mr Jenrick made a pledge to radically reform the planning system to speed-up the process and cut red tape to deliver homes faster.

But, Cllr Kennedy has called for a change to national planning policy and during the meeting said he will consider lobbying local MPs to support this.

Despite supporting the motion, Cllr David Lettington (Con), the cabinet member for planning on Tonbridge and Malling council, said he feared the authority will not win in its fight against the developer.

He also said he was "worried" about the fact that money spent on the inquiry would come from the council's reserves despite the authority facing a financial shortfall of £5million due to the coronavirus crisis.

Cllr Lettington said: "I am very concerned we will lose the appeal but that in itself is not a planning mater, but more a financial matter for the council, but I am worried. I think we have a very, very difficult case to make."

A final decision will be made by Mr Jenrick when the eight-day inquiry is concluded. This will start on December 1.

A similar application to build 300 homes in Ditton has been put on hold as the council irons out "some issues" with the scheme near Brampton Field.

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