Councillors have said a car boot sale can host more events as it is an “overwhelmingly positive” scheme.

Mark Greenfield’s Boot Fairs applied for seven more dates, on top of the 14 which it already run between May and September.

They will take place on Sundays and Bank Holidays, from 5am until 1pm, up to 21 times a year for the next three years at Upnor, near Rochester.

The decision to increase the number of events was unanimously approved at Medway Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Speaking at the meeting, ward councillor for Gillingham North, Cllr Douglas Hamandishe (Lab) said: "This must be encouraged. The cost of living is effecting so many people.

“We need to balance attracting people to meet and sell their wares, encourage recycling, upcycling, with traffic, litter, and so forth.

“These boot fairs encourage social cohesion and networking. Overwhelmingly, it is something positive."

Concerns were raised over traffic control and if the site, in Anthony’s Way, is monitored, by ward councillor for Strood Rural, Cllr Gary Etheridge (Con).

He said: “I just want to ensure that they do actually have marshalls on there, not just to control the traffic, but also the people coming into there selling at 3am which they are currently sitting there parking waiting to come on site.

“I shall be monitoring very closely to ensure those marshalls are there, sending those people away at 3am.”

He also requested the entrance to the boot fairs be extended so motorists do not have to queue along the road.

Planning officers said they would write to the applicant Mark Greenfield about the marshalls and widening the entrance.

Ward councillor for Strood North and Frindsbury, Cllr David Field (Lab), also raised concerns over the 5am start time, stating that the sun does not rise until 7am in Spetember meaning the fair would operate for two hours in darkness.

“Obviously we have got moving vehicles, there are health and safety risks there, but there is also conditions around lighting,” he added. “How do we ensure safety while also ensuring there is not undue light pollution during those first two hours?”

The council officers stated the car boot sales already operate in September safely.

Questions about bins were also raised but officers said Mr Greenfield already had extenstive litter pickers and cleaners.

Prior to the planning meeting, four letters of objection were received from residents and one letter in support from ward councillor Elizabeth Turpin (Con).

In their report planning officers stated although they recognise the impacts on residents of traffic and congestion, the economic benefit from the car boots tips the balance in favour of the application.