A public inquiry into a controversial planning application to build 450 homes in Capstone Valley is due to be held next month.

A re-submitted version of the development for Gibraltar Farm in Ham Lane, Hempstead, was rejected by councillors in December after the plans, which were almost unchanged, sparked uproar.

The application was submitted by Graham Warren on behalf of the Attwood family, who own land across the county including a substantial part of the valley.

The family has attempted to develop the area, described as Medway’s green lung, on several occasions, despite a continuing barrage of objection.

The Attwoods are part of a group of businesses, known as Medway Magna, and sparked uproar when they submitted an application to build 9,000 homes in Capstone. After a protest, it was thrown out in 2009.

An application was made to the government after the council refused permission to use the land, who found in its favour.

The fresh application proposed sole access from a spur road off North Dane Way, but was rejected by councillors on the recommendations of planning officers.

Officers had recommended refusal for the outline application to build 450 homes with access and estate road and a community park, because of its adverse environment impact on the area, including the loss of the ancient woodland.

Both ward councillors for Lordswood and Capstone oppose the development.

Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “It goes without saying that I am absolutely against it and any type of unsustainable development in that area and this falls into that category.

“The transport links are poor and there’s far too many houses without the infrastructure to support it. I will be supporting residents and remain against the application.”

Cllr David Wildey said: “I’ve been very publicly against this application and I am still against this one for all of the known reasons – the roads, infrastructure, schools, the problem with the local hospital and air quality.”

Chatham MP Tracey Crouch said: "I am hoping to attend the inquiry, I am still very much against the application to build homes in the Capstone Valley.

"I think it will cause a number of problems and the infrastructure is not suitable for that amount of development and I hope the planning inspector will recognise that."

The appeal will be considered by an inspector from the Planning Inspectorate at the public inquiry at Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, on Tuesday, October 4, from 10am.