A controversial development which would increase the population of Headcorn by a fifth has been given the nod by Maidstone council for a second time.

A planning committee once again backed the Hazelpits scheme for 220 new homes next to the village’s primary school in Kings Road at a meeting at the town hall last night.

The site is outside the borough boundary currently considered for settlements.

The final say is with a government planning inspector after a delay in determining the application.

In April the council indicated it would have approved the plans and the date for that appeal has been set for August 12.

But the council had been asked to reconsider the application.

Residents were rallied to show their opposition when the plan came in front of councillors again.

The last time it was considered, 60 protestors from Save Headcorn Village filled the public gallery, many of which had arrived on a specially commissioned battle bus.

Following the meeting, the group slammed the council’s “extraordinary” decision, which they said disregarded the feelings of the community.