Almost 700 residents have signed a petition calling for building on the Island to be suspended until the necessary infrastructure is in place.

After the launch of Facebook group Sheppey NO more houses! a petition was also set up by members to gauge support.

The page says the area needs more jobs, better traffic management, more schools, doctors and dentists and better sports and recreational facilities before any more homes are put up.

Signatures on the petition will be given to Swale council and Kent County Council, asking for all developments to be stopped until adequate services are in place and it also asks that other part of the south east are considered as potential sites for ‘London overspill’.

The group was initially launched in response to proposals by TBH (Sheerness) Ltd to build 147 houses on the former HBC Engineering site in Power Station Road, Halfway.

Colin Morris, who lives in nearby Buddle Drive, and is one of those behind the Facebook group, said they have been contacted by the developer in the hope of setting up a meeting.

He said the number of signatures demonstrates there is support for what they are doing and they want to step-up their campaign even more by displaying posters and flyers in shops and pubs.

They will also be leafleting through letterboxes.

The residents behind the Facebook group have now also launched a website to update people on the campaign.