Plans to build on a housing estate's only green space would be "hell," neighbours say.

Grassland used by dog walkers and families, behind Iwade School, south of Dunlin Walk, Iwade, could turned into a row of 20 two-, three- and four-bedroom homes under the proposals.

Originally, the proposals were rejected by Swale Council but later granted on appeal by a planning inspector.

Now an application has been lodged, looking to approve the finer details of the development.

Kelly Downes, who has lived in his home along Dunlin Walk since it was built almost 20 years ago, objected to the development since it was first submitted.

The 52-year-old said: "When we bought this house new 18 years ago we were told that land would be handed to the school opposite us and that it wasn’t to be built on.

"However, nothing was signed and it was sold off for development."

Kelly explained everyone along his street and the nearby area tried to go against the plans but "found it made no difference".

He added: "No one wanted the houses. Everyone uses the green space for walking dogs and playing with their kids.

"There’s not much land there really and it backs on close to the school which was one of the concerns we had."

Kelly says the plans he has seen show the few trees and bushes in front of his property are also planned to be removed and made into parking spaces.

He said: "I’ll have parked cars right in front of my house and we’re not happy.

"Iwade has taken far more than its fair share of new housing developments.

"The infrastructure can’t take it. Iwade has soaked up all of Swale's building plans.

"It’s going to be hell when they start building here. It’s going to completely change where we live."

The original plans also drew criticism from Iwade Parish Council which highlighted the "inadequate parking" proposals and the loss of a green space used by many as one of its objections.

It also shared concerns with residents about the incoming houses overlooking a nearby school.

The parish council said: "The school sits at the southern edge of the proposed development's boundary and its playing field and playgrounds will be directly overlooked by the new houses.

"Parents expressed views that this creates a significant child safety and child protection concern; they do not feel their children, while on their lunch break or in P.E. attire, should be overlooked by houses so close to the playing field."

Steve Harris, who has lived in the area for 21 years, shares the same views.

The 63-year-old, of nearby Sanderling Way, said: "I wouldn’t want to live where Dunlin Walk is currently as it already overlooks the school enough, let alone these new proposed houses.

“This land is tiny and used by dog walkers like myself.

"The plans aren’t very good and they’ll also cause traffic along Sanderling Way as well.”

Laura Bright, of Dunlin Walk, wrote in to object, saying: "I am absolutely not in support of this proposal of further properties to be built in Iwade.

"As a fairly new resident, the small green area was part of the reason I wanted to move here.

"It is a lovely space used frequently by dog walkers and families playing.

"Living opposite, I have never had interruptions or worry about it but with the introduction of new houses the impact this will have will no doubt be negative.

"There are already too many cars and a strain on local resources - where will these people go to the dentist, which doctors will they join and is there space at Iwade Primary – a school which has already expanded – for their children?

"As a teacher, I feel that there is a potential safeguarding issue with building houses so close to a school and overlooking the playground/ field.

"The images proposed look to provide some distance but realistically the green is simply not large enough for the gardens, houses, parking, road and visitor parking for enough space between the houses and the school fence."

Jonathan Bright, from Chatham, shared concerns about his daughter's property, in Iwade.

He wrote to the council, saying: "We object on the fact that, there is a school next to proposed site, extra vehicles and pollution increase is not caring for people's health.

"Having houses so close to our daughter's house will not only spoil the view but potentially lower the value of their property."

To view and comment on the application, click here, using reference number 23/500878/REM.

The plans have been put forward by Riverdale Developments.

The developer defended the plans, saying they "took account of the need to make the most efficient use of the land, while balancing this with its impact upon the local environment."

Two would be designated affordable homes.