A dispute over land ownership has halted the start of on the controversial Gibraltar Farm development.

An application has been resubmitted by Hume Planning Consultancy on behalf of the Attwood family to build 450 homes on farmland in Ham Lane, Hempstead.

The council initially turned down the proposal but the government overturned its ruling following an appeal and public enquiry.

A condition of the planning approval included starting work within three years of the original application. This deadline will expire in September.

Alister Hume said in a letter written to Medway Council’s planning department: “The submission functions to effectively restore the applicant to the position of a standard three-year permission, the principle of which was established by the secretary of state in his decision.

“Since the decision, discussions between Medway Council and the applicant have, to date, failed to resolve land ownership transfer to achieve the approved access to the site.

“These discussions have been ongoing and have frustrated the originally anticipated delivery time frame for the site.”

The council still own some of the land on the site.

David Harris, the council’s head of planning, 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.’’

Residents in Hempstead have used the new application to resubmit their objections to the initial plans, with 69 objections lodged with the council at the time the Medway Messenger went to press.

Debbie Kelly, who lives in Barrowfields, Lordswood, raised concerns about the overstretched health service in the area and traffic problems in Lordwood.

Her objection also states: “I am deeply saddened at the prospect of another development which would blight our areas of natural beauty, the countryside which surrounds the area of Lordswood, including the area of ancient woodland, full of wildlife and enjoyed by residents including families and dog walkers.

“I sincerely hope that our concerns of issues such as these will be seriously considered before a decision is made.”

One of the main concerns when Gibraltar Farm was approved was that it might open the floodgates to develop parcels of open land across Medway.

The council received hundreds of letters of objection when the plans were first submitted and a petition signed by almost 3,000 people.

Chatham MP Tracey Crouch has spoken out against the proposals in the past.

She said last year: “The inspector can be in no doubt that this development goes against the very clear wishes of the public.

“It is extremely frustrating that the genuine concerns of local residents have been ignored and I believe that this is the wrong decision for the local area.”

The consultation period will expire on Tuesday. To have your say, visit www.medway.gov.uk