The next phase of a 298-home development has been approved despite claims developers are simply “plonking boxes down.”

Plans for the sprawling estate on Frognal Lane, Teynham, include more than £4 million for local infrastructure and an expansion of the local primary school.

Permission was given in principle to build 298 homes, sports pitches and a community allotment at land between Frognal Lane and Lower Road in the village back in 2021.

However, specific details of the layout, design and landscaping of Moat Homes and Chartway’s development were to be dealt with at a later date.

Swale Borough Council’s planning committee was meant to approve the details at a meeting in May, however they deferred the decision citing concerns that the village has no GP surgery, and that the water system can’t cope.

This was moved to Thursday night (July 18) where the final decision was made.

Cllr Paul Townson, chairman of Teynham Parish Council, attended to speak against the bid, slating the “car-centric design” of the estate.

“How many roads would a child have to cross to reach the primary school or the play area?” he asked.

“Where will residents come together and interact? How many roads would a mobility scooter have to cross to get to the shops?

“Such designs harm community cohesion and harm our environment.”

Julian Moat, director of planning for Chartway, attended to back the plans, arguing the scheme would bring “much needed new family homes for the Borough”.

He stressed the £4.2 million the developers are giving to local infrastructure, including the expansion of the primary school which is currently underway, and their new offer of giving ownership of land for community facilities to the parish council.

He added: “Our scheme delivers crucially needed new homes for the borough at a time when it has recently been evidenced at appeal that the council cannot demonstrate a five-year housing land supply.”

One of the properties will be reserved as affordable homes, he added and encouraged them to “avoid an unnecessary appeal” to the Planning Inspectorate by approving the plans.

Cllr Julien Speed (Con), who represents the area, stressed that “the sewage plant in Teynham can’t cope.”

“The infrastructure in Teynham cant cope with these extra houses.

“Services in Teynham are at breaking point,” he added, eliciting applause from residents in the public gallery.

He continued: “The design is far too car centric there’s no separate walking or cycling routes away from roads.

“There’s just a smattering of trees across the estate to cram more houses in.

He argued that the estate would have a “sterile environment.” and “They’re just plonking 300 boxes down.”

Homes on the site will range from one and two bedroom apartments to two, three and four bedroom houses, the developers write.

The water infrastructure in the village was a key concern - with Southern Water recently telling SBC in a letter only 50 new homes could connect to the system without need for more “reinforcement.”

Cllr Lloyd Bowen (Con), who also represents the area on SBC, said “Frognal Lane as it is is known for flooding and having raw sewage in it.

“Quite frankly, I would never want to have poo running down my street.”

“There’s nothing here that adds benefit to the existing residents of the parish,” he said, concerned about the lack of a GP in the area.

A GP and health facility is however on the cards as part of a separate nearby development by Trenport.

“We need housing there’s no doubt about that, this isn’t the right place for it,” Cllr Bowen added.

However, the planning committee ended up approving the plans, with nine votes in favour and five against.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Townson said: “On behalf of local residents, Teynham parish council is disappointed by the result this evening.

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“While we recognise that the housing development was going to go ahead - that decision was taken back at outline planning application stage in 2021 - there was an opportunity to revisit the layout and enhance the design to change it from a car-centric design to a people-centric design.

“One positive outcome was the improved offer of the community facilities - including the allotments, sports pitches and pavilion.”

Cllr Speed added: “The planning system needs an overhaul. Conditions have changed since the approval was given - such as issues with sewage, air quality, GP provision and traffic. “The residents of Teynham are vehemently opposed to this new housing estate and I’m disappointed their views have not been taken into account.”

In a statement after the decision, Mr Moat said the approval was “a significant milestone in our vision to create a thriving, sustainable neighbourhood at Frognal Place that supports and enhances the existing Teynham community.

“This development promises to deliver broad socio-economic benefits to the borough, with contributions exceeding £4.2 million to bolster local education, healthcare, youth services, and transport infrastructure.”