A contentious attempt to revise a multi-million pound development in Medway has been defeated by councillors.

There are concerns about a £75 million hole in the £170m Hoo transformation scheme budget.

But Medway Council's full council last night voted that no further action be taken to tackle concerns about the project, which includes road upgrades, a new railway station and environment improvements.

The project's aim is to support the delivery of a 10,600-home, six-neighbourhood 'green town' over the next 30 years.

However there has been a two-month struggle over the public consultation process, with eight rebel Conservatives calling in a cabinet decision in July.

Medway Council leader Alan Jarrett (Con) described the call-in as "very sad" during a special full council meeting at St George's Centre, in Pembroke Road, Chatham.

He said: "We can't please the people all the time, we have to do what is right for Medway.

"The consultation will inform council decisions. That is the way democracy works."

Compromising, Cllr Jarrett agreed to extend the public consultation period from seven weeks to nine weeks from today, under the use of urgent powers.

He says it would give the public an extra two weeks to respond and more time for Medway council officers to "finesse" the Hoo development proposals.

This comes two months after eight councillors expressed their "concerns" about the feasability of the project, amid fears around £75m was missing from the £175m budget.

Cllr Elizabeth Turpin (Con) warned it would be "unaffordable" for the council to deliver and urged a quick rethink.

Last night, she said: "I was most concerned that the funding was appearing to be unaffordable, unless propped up by S106 monies.

"This would be unacceptable as it would take developer contributions away from other infrastructure that would be required for such a large population increase."

She added: "There needs to be more clarity and certainty with what can be delivered."

But the majority of Labour and Conservative councillors voted in favour of the consultation going ahead as soon as possible, under cross-party agreement.

Opposition leader Vince Maple (Lab) said: "I think this is the right time and I would encourage residents to have their say."

Cllr Teresa Murray (Lab), who is the party's deputy leader, said: "If we can't deliver this project, it will imperil the Hoo Infrastructure Fund and we will have to pay the money back to government."

Medway Council's cabinet member for economic growth, Cllr Jane Chitty (Con), was adamant the public consultation must go ahead.

She said: "If we are so afraid of residents having a say then please explain it to me. Those residents have the right to have this information."

Call-ins allow councillors to intervene when they feel a decision being made by the executive needs to be revisited or changed.