For the third time, councillors have turned down controversial plans to build homes on the site of a former tennis club.

Residents previously took to the streets protesting proposals to construct seven properties behind Second Avenue, Gillingham.

The plans were put forward by landowners – the Jarvis family, who run Avenue Tennis in Featherby Road.

The development on the club's former site, which was the subject of a petition signed by more than 100 people, had twice been refused over concerns it would be cramped.

The Planning Inspectorate dismissed two appeals brought by the land owners because of worries regarding the detriment to the character of the surrounding area.

While Medway Council officers recommended the fresh proposals for approval, concluding the concerns has been addressed, planning committee members spoke passionately against the bid during a meeting last Wednesday.

Previously, the leader of local residents' committee, Oliver Fish, criticised MP Rehman Chishti for supporting the application.

At the meeting, head of planning Dave Harris informed committee members how the Tory had written twice to the council to explain he had a financial interest in the proposal.

Ward councillor Chrissy Stamp (Lab) pointed out how the parliamentarian had previously received donations from Colin Jarvis as stipulated in his MP's register of interest.

She said: "In my personal opinion, Rehman Chishti's support should not be considered as transparent and impartial and therefore I feel his letter of support should not be considered."

She added the proposal would have an adverse impact on number 26 Second Avenue, next to which an access road was proposed, and the impact the development would have on highways.

All but one member refused the application on the grounds not enough had been done to address concerns about the cramped appearance and impact on the character of the area.

Following the decision, Mr Fish said: "We're delighted, the community can now breathe a sigh of relief. Everyone was elated – it's the right decision.

"It's been refused twice by the council and twice by the government before. This is the third time the application has gone through and it's been declined. Like the council said, there's no improvement between the second and third application. It's still overcrowded.

"The issue of Rehman Chishti came up and they said he does have a financial interest and it's up to the councillors whether they should consider that.

"What upset us is he does have financial ties to the applicant so he should stay away. It's a lack of judgement.

"We're thinking of setting up another protest to show how upset we are."

Mr Chishti, who previously explained his reasons for backing the development, did not respond to requests for comment.

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