Campaigners have welcomed a unanimous decision to reject a planning application for a controversial housing development for a second time.

Moat Homes had sought retrospective permission for 27 houses and eight flats to the rear of Seager Road, Sheerness, which were found to have gone against their original designs from 2010, including some being up to 1.7m higher than agreed.

At a planning committee meeting on Thursday, a representative speaking on behalf of the developer said: “You have to ask yourself a question – if the scheme had been originally submitted with the houses at that height, would it have been approved? And I suggest the answer to that question would be ‘yes’ and the opinion of the chief planner is firmly of this view.”

Cllr Andy Booth (Con) said: “[A refusal] sends out a very clear message to those important developers coming to the borough of Swale that intend to develop areas of this land, whether it’s for social housing or whatever it may be for, to be very minded that this planning committee isn’t to be moved.”

Cllr Mark Ellen (Lab) said: “If we approve the officer’s recommendation, it will set a precedent, without a doubt. They’ll say ‘Swale Borough Council are weak. We can just do what we like’.”

Cllr Mike Henderson (Lib Dem) said there was a “real, solid reason for refusal” but the fact the development would provide 35 much-needed social housing properties needed to be taken into account.

He said: “I think the overbearing nature of the buildings as built, to me, tips the balance.”

One of those leading public objections, Geoff Smith, of Seager Road, Sheerness, thanked those who supported the campaign and said the decision restored some credibility to the council.

He said: “Residents in their struggle with Moat Homes have not tried to deny affordable housing but have stood firm against being bullied into accepting the unacceptable.

“Had the developer chosen to engage with residents and allow compromise the outcome may have been different.”

Fellow campaigner Susan Holmes, of Barnsley Close, was “delighted” at the refusal.

She said it showed planning members of different political backgrounds and from all parts of the borough working together “for the good of the community”.

She added: “This will have restored many people’s faith in our local councillors and this will in turn reflect well on the reputation of the Council.

“We know Moat Homes will most probably go to appeal, but the planning department now has an extremely good case which they can win, and we will be only too pleased to assist in any way.”