Plans have been approved for a housing development at the Old Dairy site in Halfway.

Fourteen properties have been given the go ahead, six chalet bungalows and eight town houses.

Planning officers recommended the proposal’s approval, subject to an agreed funding amount to be paid by the developer.

In a report it was noted agents acting on behalf of development company New Homes and Land Ltd, had sought independent advice after Kent County Council requested contributions totalling £60,000.

At Thursday night’s planning meeting , councillors were told a new figure, £35,000, had been agreed.

The renegotiation was due to developer’s fears the project would be unviable.

In recommending the application the planning officer said the project provided “a positive use for a vacant site within an established residential area”.

Speaking at last week’s meeting Cllr Andy Booth (Con) member for Minster Cliffs ward dismissed the applicant’s fears over the scheme’s viability.

He said: “Business is business and some of theses business decisions don’t make any money.

“I get tired when developers, their agents and the like come to these meetings and tell everyone they’re not making any money.”