Rejected plans for 135 homes have been approved on appeal, prompting fury from villagers who say the extra traffic will put their health at risk.

Gladman Development’s bid to build at Pond Farm in London Road in Newington, Sittingbourne, was denied by Swale council in February, with the authority citing pollution as a major factor in its decision.

Its report stated: “The Air Quality Assessment does not contain sufficient information to demonstrate they would not worsen air quality to an unacceptable degree, taking into account the cumulative impact of development schemes within or likely to impact on air quality management areas."

It added that the scheme was outside the settlement boundary for Newington, would result in the loss of top grade farmland and that it would “harm the character” of the landscape.

However, on appeal, the council dropped its objections over pollution after the developer provided further evidence.

It has now been approved by planning inspector David Prentis.

A spokesman for Swale council explained said: “As noted in the planning inspector’s final report, the updated modelling – considering the proposed mitigations set out in the legal agreement – found that by 2028, the concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) are predicted to be significantly lower.

“Neither ourselves, nor Newington Parish Council, could find a technical objection to this modelling, so we were unable to pursue our objection on the grounds of air quality.”

Despite this, Hartlip, Newington and Upchurch representative, Richard Palmer, believes the decision to approve the project was rushed.

The Swale Independents’ councillor explained: “I believe we have a planning system in Swale which is driven by central government.

“New homes have to keep being approved to meet housing targets and it’s completely unnecessary, and that was discussed previously when the application was being looked at.

“I also disagree with the air quality argument as it has been a problem in places like Newington, Key Street and Rainham for some time.

“So I completely understand why residents are angry about this.”

Gladman says the development will have about 27 homes per hectare – the size of about one-and-a-half football pitches.

This will include a range of two to five-bedroom houses, 40% of which will be affordable housing, with a further 25% to be used as first homes.

Approving the development, Mr Prentis said: “I conclude the proposal has identified opportunities to promote walking and public transport use.

“It would provide a safe and suitable access to the site and would not result in any significant impacts on the wider transport network.”

However, speaking after the application was approved, one person commented: “This is going to have such a detrimental effect on health and the village with traffic.

“Anyone driving through Newington will feel our pain.”

Another resident was equally as frustrated with the decision.

They explained: “Newington is extremely overbuilt – the A2 cannot handle another 135 houses of which will have at least one to two cars per house.

“That's potentially another 270 cars. The pollution is already over its limits on our health.

“It's disgusting on every level that this is being allowed – and that’s an understatement.”

You can view the application here using reference 23/3318448.

It’s not the first time an application has been put forward at Pond Farm.

Back in 2017, plans were rejected for 330 homes in the area and then on appeal by the Court of Appeal two years later.