The publication of Swale council’s long-overdue housing plans has been delayed again.

Planning inspector Sue Turner ruled that the house-building target up to 2031 should become 776 a year.

The plan was the subject of a six-week public consultation as more land was needed to meet the higher target.

Councillors had expected the finished plan in April but publication was put off until after the election. Officers were hoping to brief members on Monday.

But even that was delayed because of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet reshuffle which left the country without a housing minister to sign off the report.

Swale council’s Labour leader Cllr Roger Truelove fumed: “This report had already been held back to avoid political embarrassment during the county council elections.

“It looks ominous for those areas like Cryalls Lane in Sittingbourne and Barton Hill Drive at Minster which are on the council’s radar for more housing.”