A highly controversial bid to build 225 homes in a village has failed after the government rejected the developer's appeal.

Medway Council refused to allow Gladman Development to build on land off Town Road, Cliffe Woods, in 2017 after an application in mid-2016 but undeterred the company took their case to the Secretary of State for Housing.

In total 332 objections, arguing the plans will destroy open countryside and agricultural land, ruin the village environment, put pressure on the already over-subscribed primary school and increase traffic, were lodged with the council.

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst also objected to the plans, arguing the homes would put extra pressure on local services and have a negative impact of increased traffic along the B2000.

Speaking after the appeal was thrown out she said she'd been lobbying ministerial colleagues at the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government to oppose this development.

She added: "I am delighted the original decision made by our local democracy has been upheld meaning that this poorly considered development will no longer cause distress and concern to the residents of Cliffe Woods.

“Cliffe Woods is a village I have known all my life and loved for its peaceful and leafy atmosphere so I am pleased to have played my part to help protect it for the future.

“At a time when we are without a Local Plan, it is important we continue to come together as a community to fight these proposals that will only damage the fabric and environment of our area and strain our local infrastructure and services.”

“Medway’s Local Plan remains one of our major local priorities and is something I continue to engage with to ensure we have policies in place to protect our most beloved rural areas and encourage sensible thinking where development does have to occur.”

The Secretary of State noted the council is currently preparing a new Local Plan, and a Neighbourhood Plan is at a very early stage.

He therefore rejected the appeal and refused planning permission on the grounds of inadequate infrastructure and lack of local housing policy.