Plans for 300 homes on fields off Otterham Quay Lane in Rainham are to come under the spotlight again when planners meet tonight.

Despite extensive objections over the loss of countryside, insufficient services, road congestion, and pollution, Medway Council’s planning committee has been advised to approve the application from Persimmon Homes in order to meet house building targets.

A report set to go before the committee notes the development would be built on land designated as an Area of Local Landscape Importance, but nevertheless states the harmful impact would be outweighed by the benefits of new homes.

Among the objectors are Gillingham and Rainham MP Rainham Chishti, who says the proposals would result in the loss of green space of natural beauty and put pressure on roads and services – a concern also raised by Upchurch Parish Council.

Neighbouring Swale council has raised fears the scheme would affect air quality and lead to the borders of Rainham encroaching on nearby settlements.

Despite 78 letters of objections and the fact the proposal is contrary to development plan policies, planning officers are backed by government guidelines, which favour “sustainable development” over the protection of countryside if the benefits of development outweigh the negative impact.

As the report states: “Having regard to the presumption in favour of sustainable development, as required by National Planning Policy Framework paragraph 49, it is considered that while the development would have adverse impacts in respect of the loss of agricultural land and harm to a locally valued landscape, these are outweighed by the significant social benefits and associated economic benefits of delivering 225 units of market housing and 75 units of affordable housing.

If approved, developers would have to contribute £1,809,600 toward education and further sums for provision of open spaces, services and other local improvements.

Land on the outskirts of Rainham is in demand by housing developers.

In August, planning inspectors dismissed an appeal by Gladman Developments to build 200 homes between the A2 at Moor Street and Otterham Quay Lane.

A spokesman for Gladman said the firm was “taking stock” of the appeal and would be basing its decision about how to progress on a subsequent review.

Outline permission has been given for 136 homes in Mierscourt Road and work has started on the construction of 52 homes at the bottom of Otterham Quay Lane.