Plans for new homes close to an important bird habitat are set to be turned down – despite the developer suggesting a ban on cats be placed on residents.

Longfield-based company Esquire Developments has asked for permission to build between eight and 12 self-build homes along Lodge Hill Lane, Chattenden, near Rochester.

The intended site neighbours Chattenden Woods and Lodge Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is home to nightingales, a protected species.

Medway Council's planning officers have recommended its planning committee refuse the plans when they meet on Wednesday, December 14.

The report reads: "The development for residential dwellings, is considered to have a significantly detrimental impact on Chattenden Woods and Lodge Hill SSSI, in terms of the increased activity from future occupants of the development accessing this area and through impact on the protected nightingales that inhabit this site, from cat predation.

The site is close to the MOD's former army camp and the former Deangate Ridge golf course, both of which are covered by the SSSI.

Objections to the plans have been raised by the RSPB, Natural England, and Kent Wildlife Trust.

In a letter to the council, the RSPB said: "Birds will be highly vulnerable to the indirect long-term impact arising from the proposed housing, including disturbance from noise and artificial lighting, recreational disturbance (where access allows) and predation by domestic cats."

Hoo St Werburgh Parish Council echoed their concerns and have also concluded those living on in the homes would likely be reliant on cars, which would increase in the traffic along a singe-track road.

Earlier this year, Medway Council's planning committee narrowly passed plans - also from Esquire Developments - to build 68 homes in Cliffe Woods.

The council's head of planning Dave Harris suggested a ban on cat ownership for future residents could be something which could be enforced for the development, which also neighbours the SSSI.

Nightingales nest close to ground level, making them vulnerable to predators.

In considering Esquire's new application for Lodge Hill Lane, the RSPB said "cat covenants are unenforceable".