People angry at a recently approved development have criticised a council for ignoring its own parking policy in coming to the decision.

A total of 22 flats and the same number of parking spaces are set to be built on land in Ingram Road, Gillingham, after councillors voted 9-5 in favour of Bencewell Properties’ proposal.

A four storey and a three-storey block will spring up on the plot, replacing 35 garages, a vacant office and workshop and a disused toilet block.

The decision had been put off in August after 39 residents objected, citing the imposing nature of the proposed buildings, over development and traffic concerns, with already congested Gillingham Green and Grange Road set to be impacted.

But the majority of the planning committee decided they could not find a legitimate reason to refuse.

Neighbour John Knight, who alongside wife Alison had objected to the proposal, says the council ignored its own parking policy, which stipulates a development of the size of Ingram Road should be accompanied by 36 bays, 14 more than will be created.

This is based on the fact there will be 17 two-bed flats, requiring 1.5 spaces each, and five one-bed apartments, requiring a bay each, plus a need for 0.25 visitors bays per four homes.

Mr Knight, 47, a quality controller who lives in Grange Road, said: “I was absolutely gob smacked when I heard it had been approved. The traffic situation in the area is already ridiculous.

“There’s Saxon Way school right opposite the plot and it’s on a bus route. They are talking about extending the double yellow lines by eight metres to make it easier for the buses — that will further reduce parking.

“All it will take is for a few residents of the new blocks to have a work van as well as a car and the situation becomes much worse.

“I recognise there’s targets to meet but they are just doing it blindly and not thinking of the knock-on effect.

“The developer has pledged lots of section 106 money to local amenities and I absolutely think that’s influenced the council’s decision here.”

Medway Council’s head of planning Dave Harris said: “All planning applications are carefully considered by a committee and take into account advice offered by professional officers.

“Decisions made are based on national planning policies and guidance which help local authorities guide the shape and nature of development with their area.’’

It is understood surveys of the area, including Church Street, Church Path and Gillingham Green, showed parking provisions were acceptable and for that reason any refusal on those grounds was likely to be overturned on appeal.