Scaled-down plans to build new homes at a former Ministry of Defence barracks have been put forward to help “avoid any impact” on an area of national scientific interest.

Homes England says it wants to construct up to 500 properties on the Lodge Hill site in Chattenden, as opposed to the 5,000 originally planned.

The government run organisation took over the site in February.

Campaigners have repeatedly objected to proposals to develop the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), due to fears of potential impact on its nightingale population, special grassland and woodland.

But Homes England’s head of strategic land Ken Glendinning is confident the reduction in homes on the site will mean there are no detrimental effects on the SSSI.

He said: “We remain committed to creating new homes at Lodge Hill in line with the government’s policy on use of surplus land.

“We have always been aware of the sensitivities surrounding the important environmental elements of this development.

"This decision will place greater pressure on already scarce land available in Hoo...” Cllr Alan Jarrett

“After careful consideration, we believe this approach will avoid any impact on the SSSI, while still making an appropriate contribution to Medway’s housing need for local people.”

Homes England is still developing the masterplan proposals, which will be subject to a public consultation next year before a planning application is submitted.

Medway Council leader Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con) says the reduction will place an additional burden on other areas to accept more housing in order to meet government targets.

He added: “I am extremely disappointed that Homes England has decided to significantly reduce the number of homes it originally planned on developing at Lodge Hill.

“Like other local authorities across England, we are under huge pressure from central government to quickly build thousands of new homes.

“We have exciting plans to unlock the potential growth on the Hoo Peninsula and to improve the facilities and infrastructure, but this decision will place greater pressure on already scarce land available in Hoo.”

The Lodge Hill development has been an ongoing issue for several years.

Plans were given the green light by the council in 2014 but the decision was put to the Secretary for State for Communities and Local Government but were withdrawn twice due to the concerns over Nightingales, most recently in September last year.