A planning inspector will tomorrow start examining controversial plans for 675 homes after Swale council failed to make a decision in time.

Quinn Estates - whose chief executive is Mark Quinn - wants permission to build the houses in Wises Lane, Borden.

The plans were originally thrown into doubt after councillors raised questions about developer's section 106 contributions.

Quinn Estates then referred the decision to the Planning Inspectorate after Swale council's planning committee failed to decide by a deadline of July 10.

If approved, the scheme would include a primary school, shops, and a new clubhouse for Sittingbourne Rugby Club.

The plans were turned down in a committee meeting held as a formality, after the appeal had been lodged, on the grounds that a roads assessment failed to look "appropriately" at the impact of the development.

It also said the benefits were "demonstrably outweighed by the harm that would be caused".

The application, originally submitted in 2017, has been fiercely opposed by campaigners from Borden Residents Against Development.

The first day of hearings is due to take place tomorrow at the council's HQ, Swale House, in East Street, Sittingbourne, from 10am.

A full day will be used to discuss road concerns on Wednesday.

On Thursday, it will hear about air quality with Friday focussing more on heritage and ecology.

The hearing will then break until Tuesday, December 3, when it will reconvene in Bobbing Village Hall, Sheppey Way.

On Wednesday, December 4, a visit to the site is set to take place as well as discussions about the contributions the developer would have to make if the plans are approved.

It will continue the following day and will not sit again until Tuesday, December 10, concluding on Wednesday, December 11, when closing arguments will be heard.

Anyone can attend the hearings.

The inspector, George Baird, will then prepare a report for the Secretary of State who will decide whether to back or throw out the plans.

A final decision is not expected until next spring.

For more, visit https://acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk with reference number APP/V2255/W/19/3233606

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