A community has rallied round in an effort to stop a major development on farmland.

Banners have gone up around Pump Lane in Rainham and posters fill windows in protest against the proposed 1,250 homes on land off Pump Lane, Rainham.

Ward councillors and a Facebook campaign group have also organised meetings and a protest which they hope will put pressure on developers and the council to scrap the plans.

Outrage about plans for 1,250 homes

Fruit farming company AC Goatham & Son submitted the application at the end of June.

An online petition opposing the idea has gathered almost 1,000 supporters.

Meanwhile, comments on the council’s online planning portal have nearly reached 2,700.

The plans include a primary school, a 60-bed extra care facility, an 80-bed care home, a village hall and green including a children’s play area.

The site would extend to parts of Lower Bloors Lane to the east and Lower Twydall Lane to the west.

The land, which is currently being used as an orchard, would be bordered by the railway to the south.

Francis Flynn, who set up the online petition, said: “This development is going to put a massive strain on the already strained infrastructure around the Lower Rainham areas, resulting in an increase in both noise and air pollution.

“These green spaces provide natural habitat for fauna and flora, and we have a duty to protect such things.

“If these developers get the go ahead then the few green spaces which are left will be gone for good.”

Previously those opposing the plans attended a meeting at Holy Trinity Church Hall.

A picnic protest is also due to be held this weekend.

It was set up via the Facebook group - Against the Development Of The Orchard, Pump Lane - which has more than 2,000 members.

Protest organiser Sara Spellman said: “This is an opportunity for local residents to show their opposition towards the planning application whilst enjoying time in the precious orchards that we all hold so dear.

“It’s also a chance to recognise and celebrate how well the community has come together in support of a common cause.”

Those wishing to take part can head to the bridleway off Bloors Lane, Rainham, from 12.30pm.

Ward councillors Kristine Carr and Martin Potter (Con) are to host a public meeting on the plans.

The meeting will be held on Saturday, August 17 at the visitors’ centre at Riverside Country Park, Gillingham, between 10am and midday.

Cllr Carr said: “It’s going to be terrible, Martin and I are going to be doing everything we can to prevent it.

“This meeting’s going to help because the more protestors the better. We shall be at the protest on Sunday to support them.”

A spokesman for AC Goatham & Son said: “Medway has a real need for new housing.

“Our proposals will provide high quality family and starter homes, a primary school, and community and elderly care facilities benefitting people in Medway.

“It will open up green spaces for the community on a site that is currently private commercial land, with improved footpaths and dog walking routes.

“We realise there will always be a high level of interest in a scheme of this size and that is why we have carried out extensive public consultation.”

Medway Council’s planning committee will make a decision by the end of September.

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