Repeated attempts to build on land behind a residential street are taking a toll on the mental health of those living nearby, say opponents to the plan.

Residents in Second Avenue, Gillingham, were celebrating in April when councillors turned down controversial plans to develop former tennis courts for the third time.

Now they are preparing for another battle as the scheme has been submitted for the fourth time - reduced now to six homes from the previously suggested seven.

Despite the reduction, opponents say there is nothing new in the plans to alleviate the harmful impact which led Medway council to turn it down last time around.

Residents' committee leader Oliver Fish said the community was "very upset and disheartened" with the emergence of yet another application.

He noted the council dismissed the previous application as having 'a significant harmful effect on the character and appearance of the surrounding area' and that it was contrary to the council's planning policy.

"I cannot see anything in the new proposals which would address the above issues," he added. "The developer has still tried to push through six houses and has made minor adjustments. This still constitutes as harmful backland development, with cramped conditions and not in keeping with the appearance and character of the surrounding area. I cannot see how this will improve the living conditions of the local residents.

"The community are wondering how many times a developer can submit an application as this is starting to effect our mental well being. This has been going on for three years and is very upsetting to the residents of upper Gillingham who are constantly having to fight this application. After speaking with members of the affected area, our conclusion is that the motivation behind the planning application is not for the need of extra housing, or social or economic benefit for the local community but of greed. The developer has shown a complete disregard to the effects that the access road and proposed plans to build a cul-de-sac would have on the local residents, which we find inexplicable."

Avenue Tennis Club has been approached for further comment.

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