A public meeting is being held to discuss concerns over plans to build 225 homes in Cliffe Woods.

Speculative developer Gladman officially announced the start of consultation on its plans in August, but have met opposition from residents and the parish council who have previously asked planners to protect agricultural land.

Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst has received around 70 letters from local residents expressing a number of concerns about the proposed plans for Town Road including the impact a development of that size would have on the village, the environment and the infrastructure.

Gladman Developments says its proposal will bring a wide range of benefits to Cliffe Woods in the form of new high- quality housing, 25% affordable housing and public open spaces while new residents would inject cash into the area. They also said the scheme included plans to improve footpaths and cycle path improvements along Town Road.

Gladman acknowledged there were limited school places but pledged to make a contribution to the education authority, if permission was granted, to ensure sufficient school places are available.

The developer would also make a contribution to the clinical commissioning group to help offset the additional pressures on Cliffe Woods GP Surgery.

'It is important we continue to come together as a community to fight these proposals...' - MP Kelly Tolhurst

Ms Tolhurst has set up a public meeting in the community centre to discuss residents’ concerns.

She said: “This poorly considered development is clearly causing much distress and concern to the residents of Cliffe Woods, a village I have known all my life to be loved for its peaceful and leafy atmosphere.

“After discussions with ward councillors and the parish council, we have decided to hold a public meeting in order to discuss the many concerns in more detail, and therefore represent Cliffe Woods’ residents in the best way possible.”

She also said the meeting would serve as an opportunity to give more information about the planning process.

Ms Tolhurst added: “It is important we continue to come together as a community to fight these proposals that will only damage the fabric and environment of our area and strain our local infrastructure and services. “

The meeting will be held at Cliffe Woods Community Centre, Parkside, tomorrow, Friday, at 6pm.

For more information contact Ms Tolhurst’s office on 0207 2195387 or email kelly.tolhurst.mp@parliament.uk