Maidstone's draft Local Plan is on the home straight after the Secretary of State decided not to intervene.

Sajid Javid, secretary of state for communities and local government, received letters urging him to call the plan in from MPs Helen Grant and Helen Whately.

But he has now written to them to inform them no intervention will take place. He was however critical of aspects of the plan, particularly in regard to air quality and neighbourhood planning.

The announcement means a decision will be made on whether to adopt to housing strategy — which will determine where 17,660 houses will be built in the borough by 2031 — on Wednesday, October 25.

Mr Javid said: “I am determined to ensure we support local authorities in bringing forward plan-led development rather than allowing the speculative development which causes communities concern. The Maidstone Local Plan is the framework that provides a five year supply of deliverable housing sites and the best defence against unplanned development.”

In a joint statement, Leader Cllr Fran Wilson and chair of strategic planning, sustainability and transportation committee Cllr David Burton, said: “We are very pleased with Mr Javid’s response and the approach that has been taken to the concerns raised. We are confident that we are now in a strong position to move forward towards full adoption of the plan later this month.

“The Maidstone Local Plan offers the foundations on which we can build upon to safeguard the future of the borough and the communities that live and work here.”