A developer which built properties backing onto existing homes higher than its permission allowed is to submit fresh plans incorporating the unauthorised changes.

Two weeks ago, we reported residents were furious with the height of houses and flats under construction to the rear of Seager Road, Sheerness.

After outcries to Swale council, officers discovered several differences with the original designs set out in 2010, including that some were nearly 2m too high.

The local authority has since received several complaints from residents.

Officers have decided the best course of action is to consider a new application for the development as it is now.

Once received, residents will receive a letter inviting their opinions which will then be reported to the planning committee to make a final decision.

In a letter to the Times Guardian, head of planning services James Freeman said: “Among other things, planning officers will assess the impact of the proposal on the neighbouring properties, specifically looking at how the changes to the scheme may or may not be harmful to their amenities.”

He added that work being carried out on the site by developer partners McCullochs and Moat Homes, which is also the landowner, will be restricted to internal work to the houses and flats and stressed it would in no way affect the outcome of the resubmitted bid.

There had been concerns the developer had added an extra floor to some of the flats.

However, Mr Freeman said: “Contrary to previous reports, the houses and flats do not have an additional floor. The houses would still have three storeys as originally approved.

“The confusion seems to be over the placement of windows at the top of the houses which would serve a vaulted ceiling to the bedroom on the top floor.”

Last week Gordon Henderson MP wrote to Swale urging it to reject any retrospective planning permission and demand the properties be altered to their original, smaller specifications.