Villagers have been praised for their efforts after a planning appeal over a council's decision to reject 72 homes was dismissed.

The Planning Inspectorate sided with Medway Council over its refusal to give permission for the homes on fields off Upnor Road, Upnor, near Rochester.

Longfield-based Esquire Developments appealed the authority's decision after the planning department turned down the plans last February.

An appeal was then heard virtually over five days in September and the decision was returned on Wednesday.

The site is in the Hogmarsh Valley Area of Local Landscape Importance.

A petition in response to the plans – which included 18 affordable homes, a children's nursery and a new bus stop – was signed by 1,000 people.

Lesley Wright, from the Keep Upnor Green action group, praised the "team effort" of villagers who defended the appeal and said congratulations had been received from residents across the Towns.

She said: "It's been a real community effort, right back to when we first met as a village, to all that's gone on through the application and then with the appeal.

"There were a small number of people who live in Upnor who were brave enough to give evidence to the appeal."

She added villagers' evidence gave particular focus on the effect the development would have had on the road network, saying: "Everybody in Upnor who had commented on the application had all mentioned how unsuitable the lanes are and the congestion that we're already getting.

"So it was great actually because there are people who walk their children to school and we've got narrow roads, overhanging trees, no footpaths, and no street lighting.

"We were very pleased and very thankful that so many people took up the case on our behalf."

Government-appointed planning inspector Steven Lee wrote in his report of the "adverse impacts" granting planning permission would entail, adding: "I have found there would be substantial harm to the landscape character and function of the Hogmarsh Valley.

"I have of course had regard to the very significant and urgent need for housing development in the borough.

"Nevertheless, the framework is also very clear in its intentions regarding the quality of the built environment and protection of valued landscapes."

MP Kelly Tolhurst was among those who raised objections about the impact the development would have had on air quality and infrastructure.