A proposal to build a housing estate on an orchard on the outskirts of Strood looks set to be turned down after protests from residents.

Planning officers have also added their concern that the development off Brompton Farm Road is within the Green Belt – and should not go ahead.

The developer wants to build 135 two and three storey homes on 32-acres of productive farmland.

But 20 people living nearby have written to register their objections which included impact on schools, doctors and roads, loss of view and farmland.

The Dickens Country Protection Society and Medway Countryside Forum are also opposed on environmental grounds.

While the council has stated it was “inappropriate” to build on “high quality agricultural land” the applicant has cited “exceptional circumstances”.

These include the authority does not have its required five-year housing land supply, that the scheme would create construction jobs and provide investment in the infrastructure.

A fifth of the site would be allocated for public amenity space. Of the total of mixed properties, 101 would be placed on the private market and 34 would be affordable homes.

Councillors will discuss the outline planning application at a meeting tonight.

Plans for a vital part of Chatham’s waterfront regeneration will also be discussed at the meeting.

Outline planning permission has been submitted for bars, cafes, restaurants and 115 riverside apartments on the existing car park in Medway Street.

The development would comprise 60 one-bedroom and 55 two-bedroom flats and the ground floor has been allocated for retail use.