Supporters of a Strood beauty spot are “overjoyed” after an appeal to build two Grand Design-style homes was dismissed by government planning inspectors.

The plan for the three and four-bedroom homes in Broomhill Park were rejected by councillors on Medway Council’s planning committee in March last year, but the developer appealed.

The Planning Inspectorate dismissed the appeal last month because of the effect the proposed development would have on the park’s character, appearance and function.

With panoramic views across Medway, Broomhill Park has been awarded Green Flag status for the past four years and been found outstanding by the Royal Horticultural Society.

The luxurious homes were planned for land on top of Broomhill in a disused reservoir, five metres deep. According to the plans the proposed houses would have been hidden inside.

Odette Buchanan, president of the Friends of Broomhill Park, said: “The planning inspector took up all the points the friends objected to.

“The planning inspectorate agreed with all the points that we made and especially agreed with us about access to the site. There’s no road access – there’s just a footpath.

“We are overjoyed by the decision and now we can relax a bit and look forward to improving the park and trying to get something done about the orchard.”

The friends launched a petition and handed out flyers in the local area.

Mrs Buchanan also said she was taken aback by how much the community rallied around the help protect the park.

The Friends of Broomhill Park objected to the proposal because it conflicts with the council’s 10-Year Vision Document and argued that, if granted, it would set a precedent for development on other land adjacent to the park.

In the Planning Inspectorate’s decision, Andrew Steen, inspector, wrote: “The main issue in this appeal is the effect of the proposed development on the character, appearance and functioning of the open space at Broomhill Park.”

He also said that although there had been problems with anti-social behaviour in the park and houses could reduce it, it would not outweigh the harm the development would cause the park.

Mark Carter, the architect behind the plans, has not responded to our inquiries.