Swale councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of building a controversial housing development in a village.

Despite objections from the local parish council and a number of residents, Walker Residential was given the green light to create 14 homes on Parsonage Farm, Newington.

It plans to knock down existing buildings on the site and build detached, semi-detached and terraced houses.

Newington Parish Council argued the development would cause a big increase in traffic and would not be visually in-keeping with surrounding properties.

Following the decision to grant permission, parish councillor and Ukip parliamentary candidate Richard Palmer said: “It’s going to cause major problems with the traffic, it’s no good KCC saying they have done a traffic survey.”

Concerns were also raised about the potential impact on Newington Primary School, which lies opposite the site on School Lane.

Resident Helen Walker, who has long opposed the development, said: “How can you honestly say that traffic is going to be reduced?

“That has got to go down in the Hall of Fame as one of the most stupid comments ever.

“Let’s face it, most houses have two cars these days - that’s 28 cars every morning going out of that tiny turning [into the development].”

She previously slammed council officers for recommending the approval of the application when she had tried for years to get permission to build an extension to her home.

Walker Residential director, James Boucher, dismissed concerns the houses would increase traffic, saying he felt traffic problems could be lessened – pointing to the consultation with Kent Highways undertaken during the application process.

However, he was unable to give any time frame for construction.

He said: “I cannot confirm when it will start – we have only just been given planning permission.

“At the moment I cannot say how long it will go on for.”

Councillors earlier visited the site, where those opposed were given the chance to air their grievances.