Plans for 72 new homes in Minster on Sheppey have been approved by Swale council despite opposition from neighbours.

At an extraordinary meeting of the authority’s Planning Committee yesterday, members voted in favour of the Malro Homes proposal for land off Southsea Avenue, Scarborough Drive, Augustine Road and Sexburga Drive.

A decision had been deferred when the committee met in October because of the proposed height of some of the properties.

As a result of discussions with planning officers, the applicant had agreed to replace five of the houses with chalet bungalows, remove Juliet balconies from 14 homes and contribute funds towards a pedestrian crossing.

The concessions were not enough, however, said Annette King, who spoke on behalf of objectors at yesterday's meeting.

She questioned why grounds for refusal such as over development, the plans being out of character and negative impact on neighbours were not being considered.

The planned homes were “too high” compared to others in Minster Cliffs, she said, and there would be “too many properties crammed into the space”.

Green strips of open space were “tokenistic”, she added, and “poorly thought through”.

She warned that homes on The Broadway would be overlooked and raised concerns about the extra traffic and how safe it would be exiting onto The Broadway.

Representing Minster Cliffs ward, Cllr Richard Darby (Swale Ind) said: “The main problem is most of these houses are three storeys high.”

He added: “It’s basically an estate dropped in at the end of roads. I think this is bad planning.”

Planning agent Ian McCourt, speaking on behalf of Malro Homes, highlighted the fact it was a Sheppey company employing 60 “local personnel”.

Swale planner Jim Wilson described the density of the proposed new homes – 28 per hectare – as “modest” and said the design was “very much in tune with the character of the surrounding area”.

Cllr James Hunt (Con) was among those who backed the scheme. “The applicant has clearly done what was asked,” he said. “I see no reason why we should not approve it.”

An amendment suggested by Cllr Tim Valentine (Green) to increase the energy efficiency of the new homes was agreed.

When put to the vote, planning permission was granted.

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