Plans to include a GP surgery within a controversial development of hundreds of homes have been dropped.

Earlier this year, proposals for 800 new homes on agricultural land which runs alongside North Dane Way, Lordswood, were granted on appeal.

Members of Medway Council's planning committee unanimously refused the application to develop the site, called East Hill, last year.

The site is next to Capstone Farm Country Park and plans had included a two-form entry primary school, a GP surgery, shops and three play areas.

However, the developers of the site, Taylor Wimpey, have revealed money will go towards expanding health facilities in the area instead.

A spokesman for the company and landowner FT Attwood and Partners said: “In line with the approved outline planning permission for the development at East Hill, Chatham, which was granted following engagement with the NHS and other interested bodies, it was agreed that a financial contribution of over £522,000 will be provided towards the expansion of the existing primary and community health services in Hempstead and Capstone.

“The on-site GP surgery initially proposed as part of the outline planning application is now proposed to be a community or nursery facility, and will be delivered alongside many other new community facilities including a primary school, retail space, a new link road between North Dane Way and Pear Tree Lane, off site junction improvements and open spaces and landscaping.”

The companies have put forward plans for how the site would be developed across six stages.

This is because one of the conditions set by the inspector were the developers would have to submit such a plan.

The phases would be as follows:

1. One hundred homes, a play area, public right of way improvements, open space and link to Capstone Country Park, road layout, pedestrian and cycle network.
2. Another 100 homes, woodland improvement and habitat creation.
3. Four hundred homes, another play area, allotments, retail units.
4. Two hundred homes, another play area.
5. Primary school and nursery, multi-use games area, sports pitches.
6. Drainage infrastructure

The first phase of 100 homes - a quarter of which would be affordable - is due to be the subject of a reserved matters planning application which will be submitted to the council in the new year.

A public consultation on phase one is due to be held between 3pm and 8pm on Thursday, December 15 at Lordswood Sports and Social Club in North Dane Way.

David Bradley, senior planning manager at Taylor Wimpey South East, said: “It is very important to us that we listen to the views of the local community as we develop our plans, and the public exhibition on 15th December will provide a great opportunity for residents to find out more and ask any questions they may have.

“We want to create a vibrant, friendly community at East Hill and we are looking forward to meeting local residents and hearing their views on our plans before we submit a reserved matters application at the end of January 2023.”

Further information about thephases can be found here.

In returning his report, planning inspector Daniel Hartley concluded there was "demonstrable" need for the proposal which addressed a "very significant shortfall" in housing in the Towns.