Developers are considering more orchards in Rainham for housing.

A consultation has opened to build 74 homes on orchards between Lower Rainham Road and Otterham Quay Lane.

Gladman Developments, based in Cheshire, says it is preparing an application for the site which borders Upchurch River Valley Golf Club. The proposal includes a children's play area and community allotments.

The application will be made to Swale Borough Council, which is currently consulting on its new Local Plan.

Medway Green Party press officer Kate Belmonte, who is also a member of the Pump Lane Steering Group - which is campaigning against plans for 1,250 homes on orchards in Rainham - said as Swale has Green Party councillors, they could work with residents who may choose to oppose any later plans.

She said: "I would just tell people not to respond to the consultation as it gives them the information they need to formulate the plan."

Meanwhile, Catesby Estates plc is promoting 77 acres of land for development running along another part of Lower Rainham Road.

The plot spans between Eastcourt Lane to the west and Mariners Farm to the east.

A representative from the company confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service the agreement to promote the site was with the landowner.

A page on its website, published in January, reads: "We will be working with the council and other stakeholders to bring this site forward for new homes along with a range of community facilities."

The Medway Local Plan 2003 identifies the land as an Area of Local Landscape Importance.

Work is currently under way to update the Local Plan, the draft of which is expected to be published this Spring.

The news comes as a public inquiry into plans to develop orchards off Pump Lane takes a six-week break.

Planning inspector Jennifer Vyse visited the site on Thursday, March 4.

Ward representative Cllr Martin Potter (Con) took part in the four-hour site visit.

He said: "The inspector took in views of the landscape and character of the area and viewed the heritage areas and properties, she walked the rural routes we enjoy throughout the area and experienced the limitations of local highways."

Speaking about the site off Lower Rainham Road, he said: "This other site is one the land owners had attempted to promote through the Local Plan process and it was quite rightly rejected by the council as not being an option for development.

"However, it underlines the importance of the inspector rejecting Pump Lane and putting us in a strong position to continue protecting the area."

The public inquiry resumes on Monday, April 19.

To view the consultation for the Otterham Quay Lane development plans, go to bit.ly/3elowcC

Read more: All the latest news from Medway