News that plans for an extension to a Queenborough housing estate were refused has been welcomed.

However, town mayor Jeff Andrews, who led the residents’ protest against the proposals for Moat Way, said he suspects an amended application may be submitted.

Swale council’s planning officers used their delegated powers and refused the application by Dragon Queenborough Ltd on seven grounds.

The development company, based in south west London, wanted to create four two-bedroom houses, four three-bedroom houses, four four-bedroom houses and four one-bedroom flats built on a disused site – some 0.7 hectares (nearly one and three quarter acres) of rough grassland.

Concerns raised by residents included that the development was on a flood plain, congestion and over-loading an inadequate sewerage system.

Mr Andrews said: “Swale council’s refusal is a step in the right direction. One thing that didn’t really get talked about was the drainage system, which is a major issue.

“It is already totally inadequate – very often the drains overflow. I have my ear to the ground and will wait to see if they reapply.”

Mr Andrews said another concern was that any potential house building in the area might not be for locals, but to get people out of London.

In its grounds for refusal, Swale’s planning officers said it had not been demonstrated the proposed affordable dwellings were necessary to meet an identified local need.

They also said it would be harmful to the character and appearance of the countryside and did not provide adequate parking provision.

Also, it would amount to a substantial new development within the designated important local countryside gap between Queenborough and Sheerness, and would result in significant reduction of the undeveloped land separating the two towns.

The developers had also not shown that alternative sites at less risk from flooding had been considered or ruled out and their proposal did not meet the guidelines in respect of highway safety, convenience and/or sustainable modes of transport.

Swale council also said no satisfactory means of access to the site can be achieved, and the development could lead to serious highway safety issues.