Gravesham Borough Council has rejected proposals to build hundreds of homes on green belt land in north Kent, following a public consultation that drew strong opposition from residents.
The plans, which had been included in a draft planning blueprint, were dismissed after hundreds of people in Meopham held a march and attended a public meeting last year. The council's leader, John Burden, said it was necessary to consider all options and engage in genuine consultation before making a final decision.
Instead, the council's new planning strategy will meet the need for 4,600 new homes over the next 18 years through existing development schemes, without encroaching on green belt land. Burden called for community support to ensure the plan is approved by the government inspector.
Sue Gofton, chair of the Gravesham rural action group which opposed the original proposals, said she was delighted with the outcome, calling it 'the right result'.
