A parish council has blasted plans to turn a former social club into more than 100 new homes as putting a strain on village services “beyond their limits”.

Proposals for 134 houses, split across three different sites on the Hoo Peninsula, were submitted by Esquire Developments to Medway Council in December.

All parts of the plot would be accessed from four new locations in Stoke Road.

One of the sites would also replace the now-derelict Sturdee Sports and Social Club.

The 10-hectare estate would feature a children’s nursery for 120 tots, a cafe and community hub, plus three commercial units.

However, Hoo Saint Werburgh and Chattenden Parish Council has objected to the bid, outlining a number of worries.

The local authority insists it has concerns on the development's impact on public services.

In its submission to planners, the council said: “The village currently lacks the necessary infrastructure to support the proposed increase in population.

“Schools, doctors, and dentists already operate at full capacity with no vacancies for new arrivals.

"Without significant upgrades to infrastructure, the proposed development would strain essential services beyond their limits.

"The proposal is not in the best interest of the residents of Hoo and Chattenden.

"Therefore we urge Medway Council to reject this planning application.”

The parish council says it also has fears regarding increased congestion due to lack of public transport options in the village.

This is alongside worries surrounding youth facilities in the area, with it suggesting the proposed development fails to address this “crucial need for the community's younger residents”.

Esquire says of the 134 homes, 100 would be private properties consisting of 21 two-bedroom houses, as well as 61 three-bedroom and 18 four-bedroom properties.

The remaining 34 properties would be made up of 16 social housing and 18 affordable homes, of which 25% would be sold as first homes.

The development also includes the provision of a living quarter of 11 houses and bungalows which would be grouped together specifically for those aged 55 and over.

Meanwhile, Sturdee Sports and Social Club, which was formed in 1932 and was based on one of the planned plots, was once a popular venue for live music and family entertainment.

Yet villagers were left stunned after a large drugs factory was later discovered at the ramshackle prefab in 2013.

The club had stopped operating at the property a year prior and now has its headquarters in Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham.

However, its former 505 sq m building still remains – meaning it would be demolished should the project be given the green light.

Natural England - the government's adviser for the natural environment in England - acknowledges the application could impact The Medway Estuary and Marshes Special Protection Area (SPA).

The SPA is described by the body as "internationally important for its wintering birds, and nationally important for its breeding birds."

It says it may also have to object to the proposal should further bird surveys covering at least two years of overwintering periods not be carried out.

National Highways has already suggested any decision on the project be delayed.

The highways watchdog requested more information about how traffic generated by the new homes could impact the M2 and road network.

In a planning statement, Esquire outlined how the new homes“will create a vibrant, sustainable community where people can live, work and play”.

It added: “Medway Council has also failed to meet its identified housing needs for a number of years.

“There is a pressing need to deliver housing in the area now and help bring forward homes for local people.”

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Medway Council is consulting on what services residents on the Hoo Peninsula need.

The Hoo Peninsula Community Infrastructure Framework (HPCIF) will highlight what the peninsula is missing in terms of infrastructure for leisure, and where investment needs to go to meet future needs.

A decision on the Stoke Road application is expected by December 20.