Plans to build riverside apartments have been given the go ahead.

The proposal to develop 40 flats within Medway Bridge Marina in Borstal attracted opposition from residents who signed an online petition against the plans.

Councillors had previously queried the access proposed from Manor Lane, the impact the development would have on the surrounding roads, and the financial contributions the developer, Ground Projects Ltd, would be making to the local area.

MP Kelly Tolhurst also objected to the plans, saying it would adversely impact traffic, schools, and the sewerage network.

The Planning Inspectorate had already allowed an application for 36 apartments on the land – which is currently being used to store caravans – after the bid was thrown out by councillors in 2016.

During a meeting of Medway Council's planning committee on Wednesday, members were informed a passing place would be established on Manor Lane to improve access.

The council's head of planning, Dave Harris, also said discussions would take place with ward councillors to work out how the Section 106 contributions – cash the developer pays for local infrastructure – would be distributed.

Neighbouring Brambletree Crescent resident Marcus Brown, who began the Change.org petition, said: "There appears to have been a lot of apathy around this, considering the overwhelming objections from the residents and over 560 signatures on the petition.

"That doesn't seem to have mattered, neither does the potential loss of daylight, increase in noise, traffic pollution (including night illumination) not to mention the totally alien and gargantuan design abomination that is planned for the marina site."

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