The developers of a controversial development for hundreds of homes have put in an appeal against a council decision.

Councillors went against Medway Council officers' recommendations to approve plans for 250 homes on both sides of Church Street in the village of Cliffe, near Rochester, back in October.

Trenport Investments Ltd want to build some of the homes on the APCM recreation ground along Church Street and replace it with a new sports field.

The proposals also include a community hub and affordable homes.

A residents group and a crowdfunding page were set up to oppose the plans.

The group won support from ward councillors and the area's MP Kelly Tolhurst, who wrote a letter to the Secretary of State asking him to call in the plans.

The Cliffe and Cliffe Woods Residents Development Group also successfully petitioned Medway Council to have the APCM – which is used for football and cricket – listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).

Planning committee members decided the plans would harm the character of the historic village and would increase traffic along the B2000.

They were also concerned about plans to relocate the rec to Buttway Lane, at the northern end of the village, and how car-dependent the development would be due to the inadequacy of local bus services.

A date for the hearing has not yet been given.

The Cliffe and Cliffe Woods Residents Development Group made a post on its page saying it will be working out the best way forward and wants to work with the council and the parish council to resist the plans.