Controversial plans for 64 homes have been refused planning permission after an appeal.

Developers had eyed a plot of land in Nelson Avenue in Minster, Sheppey, for their plans, which would have resulted in a bungalow being demolished.

The proposals were submitted to Swale Council in April 2021 but quickly became unpopular with more than 120 people objecting.

If approved, a selection of three and four-bedroom homes, some of which will be two-and-a-half storeys high, would have been erected.

In March, the applicants called for a public inquiry after the local authority failed to give notice of its decision for the proposed development.

However, yesterday Planning Inspector Benjamin Webber’s dismissal of the appeal and refusal of planning permission was revealed.

After a visit to the site on July 11, Mr Webber said the effects of the development would be “unacceptable, giving rise to conflict with the development plan”.

Among the reasons for the rejection was the fact the development was on a slope and would leave some homes “highly exposed” from views to the south.

Mr Webber added: “The development has been promoted as a ‘natural extension’ and as ‘rounding off’ of the settlement.

“However, based on my assessment of the relationship between the site and existing development above, its attributes do not lend support to either claim.

“Consequently, the indicative plans depict a development lacking direct integration, and largely isolated within space to the rear of Nelson Avenue.”

He went on to say the development would cause “unacceptable harm” to the character and appearance of the area, including its failure to preserve the settings of nearby Grade I listed buildings such as The Abbey Church of St Mary and St Sexburga, and the associated Abbey Gatehouse.

The decision will be welcome news to many people living nearby and Minster Parish Council who originally objected to the proposals.

At the time plans were submitted, a spokesman said: “Minster Parish Council said it was worried about the loss of open countryside, displacement of wildlife, over-intensive development, surface water flooding and increased traffic.

“The impact on the overall vision of Minster Village and Grade-I Listed Abbey and Gatehouse Museum will be detrimental and cannot be mitigated against.”