A decision on whether to allow council-owned land to be used as the main access point for a controversial housing development has been deferred.

Council officers suggest the “ransom strip” could secure “a significant percentage of any increase in the value of the development land in exchange for the grant of access rights”.

Cllr Adrian Gulvin (Con), portfolio holder for resources, said he wanted cabinet members to have more financial information before considering whether to sell the land near Gibraltar Farm in Hempstead, or instead grant access rights.

However, he implied he would be willing to accept a deal, considering planning permission has already been granted for the scheme of up to 450 homes.

He said: “The reality is, whether we like it or not – and I must admit I don’t like it – this land will be built on. These properties will be built, there’s no doubt about it.

“I believe we should at least try to get some benefits for our residents here in Medway, and get that money to the benefit of our residents.”

Cllr Gulvin said the parcel of land in question was “a leftover” from an abandoned pre-Medway Council scheme to link North Dane Way with Walderslade Woods.

The matter will now be discussed at the next cabinet meeting, which takes place in August.

Last month, the council’s planning committee granted planning permission despite a clear reluctance to do so.

Members had rejected the Attwood family’s proposal for the near 60-acre plot of land in 2016, but the decision was overturned last year by central government.

Opponents included council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con), as well as Chatham and Aylesford MP Tracey Crouch (Con).