Controversial plans to redevelop Rochester Airport at a cost of £4.4m to the tax payer have been formally submitted to Medway Council.

Earlier this year the council adopted a masterplan for the airport - which it owns - despite receiving objections from more than 700 residents citing concerns about noise, safety and the effect on house prices.

The Council wants the airport and adjoining land to provide a “strategic gateway to Medway and an economic hub”, and says it will create up to 1,000 jobs.

The formal planning application outlines proposals including the “formation of a lit paved runway with parallel grass runway, formation of grassed bund, re-siting of helipads, erection of two hangars, a hub building with control tower and associated building, erection of fencing and gates, formation of associated car parking areas, fuel tank enclosure, family viewing area and a memorial garden, plus demolition of a range of structures and removal of portable structures.”

It includes an outline submission for potential future development - which has not yet been finalised.

"It baffles me why an airport should be expanded in such a built up and residential area" - objector Michael Salkind

Referring to “land east of hangars 5 and 6 and south of the proposed car park” an planning statement says plans have been left open “in order to accommodate future development if/when required in order to build in flexibility and allow for future developments in aviation.”

Any such development would be the subject of a separate planning application, it adds.

The application and associated documents can be viewed on the council website, where published letters of objection are outnumbered by letters of support.

One objector Michael Salkind stated: “I would like to object to the proposal as it baffles me why an airport should be expanded in such a built up and residential area.

"The traffic in this area is bad enough as it is and I cannot see any proposals for any improvements. The noise caused by light aircraft is bad enough now and will only get worse by the introduction of a concrete runway to allow more flights.”

Joan Brewood said the airport would be “more dangerous to residents” and cause pollution, and questioned its legality.