Developers will never get permission to develop in the Capstone Valley, Tracey Crouch MP has warned.

The Chatham MP was in defiant mood following the announcement of public consultation on plans for 500 homes near the Gibraltar Farm area.

The consultation will take place at Lordswood Leisure Centre next Friday, May 9, and Miss Crouch urged people to take an interest and help protect a vital “green lung” for Medway.

“I urge residents to go to make their views very clear to the applicants about how we do not want more housing in Lordswood,” she said.

“It’s really important. It’s a green lung for Medway but also Lordswood’s infrastructure is unable to cope with 500 more houses.”

She said the council has consistently opposed development in Capstone Valley and that developers should learn a lesson.

“They will keep having a go but they will keep being turned down.”

Tim Wade, 59, who has lived in the area for 18 years, said: “If they get their way we will be living in the middle of a housing development. This could destroy the valley.”