Campaigners who have fought a controversial plan to build a housing estate on farmland are cautiously celebrating a victory after it was turned down.

Fruit farmer AC Goatham and Son had wanted permission to build 1,250 homes on orchards off Pump Lane in Rainham.

The scheme sparked a wave of protest from residents, councillors and environmentalists who staged public meetings and plastered the area with banners and posters proclaiming "Save Our Orchard".

But, while they welcome Medway Council's decision to throw out the proposal, they fear the giant agricultural company will launch an appeal.

Mum Sara Spellman, one of the campaign organisers, said: "We have had amazing support and stood up to the big boys and said 'no'. But I believe this is just the first hurdle. It's not over yet, but we will not give up."

Among the raft of concerns were over-development of the rural area, noise, pollution and the harmful impact on wildlife. They also feared that the narrow country lane, already widely used, could not cope with extra traffic.

Goatham's, a family-run business which has farms across Kent and a base at Hoo St Werburgh, had also applied for a two-form entry primary school, a 60-bed extra care facility, an 80-bed care home, hall and village green.

Cllr Martin Potter, a ward councillor for the area, said:"This development would have been hugely detrimental to the local area and would have been highly detrimental to the quality of life local people enjoy. On behalf of our community we say good riddance.

"If the appeal does happen, which is likely, then we are only at half time in this battle, but we would go into a second half in a strong position.

"With the support of many local residents we have shone a spotlight on the issues of over-development in the Rainham area and, even though we've seen permissions granted, it has been more and more difficult for the developers."

An online petition collected more than 1,000 signatures and the council's planning portal prompted 3,307 comments.

A spokesman for AC Goatham and Son said the company would not be commenting at this stage. Previously, it pointed out Medway had a "real need for new housing" and the "high quality" development would benefit people in the Towns, as well as open up green spaces for the community on what is currently private land with improved footpaths and dog walking routes.

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