by Danny Boyle

A bid to transform Gravesend town centre has suffered a blow at a heated planning meeting attended by more than 400 people.

Developer Edinburgh House's proposals to regenerate the Heritage Quarter went before a special gathering of Gravesham council's regulatory board at the Woodville Halls on Monday night.

But councillors decided to defer their decision on £120million plans that would include 400 new flats, a 51-room hotel and more shops.

They hope architects will address public concerns about "oversized and out-of-scale" buildings before submitting revised plans.

However, council leader Mike Snelling - who was hissed at and jeered by protestors during the meeting - warned a delay in rejuvenating Gravesend could lead to big-name stores pulling out of the town.

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