Councillors have turned down a proposal for old folks' homes for a second time after the developer resubmitted plans which had already been thrown out.

Planning officers had told Graham Simpkin Planning Ltd it was not going to be successful but it still went ahead with its renewed application.

The plans to build 50 apartments and bungalows in View Road, Cliffe Woods, were originally refused in 2017 but allowed in outline following an appeal made to the Planning Inspectorate.

However, Medway Council's planning committee turned down the project despite some members saying such homes were desperately needed for elderly people in that area.

One of the reasons for refusal was its proximity to the Chattenden Woods and Lodge Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Concerns were also raised by officers regarding the design of amenities, including parking for cars and mobility scooters, a meeting room and gym.

Councillors asked why the plans had not been different to revised ones they turned down in September last year – a report on the plans stated how they were "fundamentally similar to the previous application".

Planning officer Carly Stoddart explained how although her department had advised the developer the plans would be turned down again, they did not seek pre-application advice or amend their application.

Committee chairman Cllr Diane Chambers (Con) said: "I have to say that I'm very sad this has got to this sort of situation.

"There are a lot of elderly people who are looking for single floor accommodation.

"Quite honestly, I think there are a lot of people out on the Peninsula who would very much like to remain in close proximity to their family rather than having to move into the town where these sort of schemes would normally go."