A council's ruling party has said it was "disgusted" to learn its opposition plans to call-in its decision to progress a proposal to provide an independent school for pupils with behavioural issues.

Medway Council’s cabinet yesterday unanimously supported the plans for the site, which could include provision for both residential and respite care and cater for 210 children.

The £25million 'learning village' in Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham, could also provide additional support services, such as educational psychology and school nursing, and open to the community outside of school hours.

Additionally the council said it will bid for government funding for a new free school.

But Cllr Clive Johnson (Lab), who represents Gillingham South, said his party would call-in the decision, citing the Medway Commercial Group's (MCG) "issues with delivering CCTV services and ceasing of governors services", "lack of track record of large scale capital programmes," and "lack of clarity around financing and suitability of the site".

"I can't understand why they are concerned about scrutiny of an organisation that is failing in its job." — Labour leader Cllr Vince Maple

MCG is the trading arm of the council which is responsible for CCTV in the Towns. Recently it was discovered the majority of cameras are broken.

Responding to Cllr Johnson's comments, the Conservative group said in a press release: "It is with absolute disgust we have learned of the Labour Group’s intention to call-in yesterday’s cabinet decision, signalling at best a total lack of understanding of the significant benefits of the proposal, and at worst a flagrant disregard for meeting the needs of Medway’s children. This amounts to an attempt to delay or even worse block the delivery of the entire proposal."

Portfolio holder for children’s services Cllr Andrew Mackness (Con) said: “I am in a state of genuine astonishment at the Labour Group’s disgusting behaviour and total lack of consideration for children and families across Medway who would so greatly benefit from an incredible learning facility, as detailed by the independent school proposal Cabinet agreed to progress yesterday.

"Increased provision and inclusivity within Medway not only widens the number of options available to children and their families, while enabling them to access the support they need closer to their homes, friends, and families, but it also presents the potential for considerable savings to the high needs budget. This frees up much needed funds to invest in other areas.”

Council and MCG leader Cllr Alan Jarrett added: “We have heard a great deal of noise from the Labour Group in the past regarding the need to spend to save, and their so-called support for increased provision within Medway. Their intention to call in the progression of the independent school highlights the truly nasty nature of Labour – a group of many words and no action, which is so intent on political point-scoring that they are blind to the implications for children and families and are willing to go against their own word.

"In contrast, the Conservative administration will continue to work hard for the people of Medway: planning for the future of Medway schools and children, and proactively exploring innovative ways to meet demand – that is why Cabinet colleagues and I so vociferously supported the proposal, and shall continue to do so.”

But Labour leader Cllr Vince Maple said he found the Tories "vitriol" surprising.

He said: "We have been very clear on this. We support the principle of the project and are glad the Tories are finally catching up with our policy on this but we have no confidence in MCG to manage it.

"We want it to happen. There's a clear need. We are concerned about the financial model and the suitability of the site.

"I can't understand why they are concerned about scrutiny of an organisation that is failing in its job.

"This project doesn't have to be managed by MCG. The council itself or the development company [responsible for delivering housing] could manage this project instead of MCG."