A CHAIRMAN's decisive vote was needed to settle a dispute over planning permission for an historic building in Medway last night.

Members of the area development control west committee were split down the middle whether to grant permission for an extension to the property in Upnor High Street.

The owners of the property, which dates back to the 16th century, applied to build a two-storey side extension including a car port and conservatory.

No objections for the plans were made to the council by nearby residents or by Frindsbury Extra Parish Council. Six letters were written making it clear they had no objections.

But council officers recommended the application be refused because the extension would not be in keeping with the 17th to 19th century buildings in the High Street.

At a committee meeting at the Civic Centre in Strood, Medway Mayor Cllr Ted Baker put forward a motion that the proposal should be approved. Cllr Stephen Kierney (Liberal Democrats) also called for the application to be refused.

When the matter was to put to the vote, the result was a stalemate, with six votes for approval and six against. Cllr Phil Filmer, standing in as chairman as Cllr Kenneth Bamber was absent, was left with the casting vote. He voted in favour and the application was approved.