Calls have been made to make a final stand against the development of council homes on green space.

A fence has been put up on Eastcourt Green, Twydall, a site designated for the construction of Medway Council houses.

In March last year, council-led plans to build 14 two-bedroom homes on the green were given the go-ahead by the planning committee.

At the same time, other proposals also put forward by the local authority to build nine bungalows in Sturry Way Park – also in Twydall – were approved.

People gathered in the park, off Woodchurch Crescent, to protest against the proposals and pensioners said they were planning to chain themselves to trees on the green to stop their removal.

Kate Belmonte, from Medway Green Party, who opposed the plans, said she was particularly concerned about the loss of 22 trees on Eastcourt Green, calling the land a "green buffer".

The Twydall resident said: "Eastcourt Lane is extremely busy especially come nine o'clock in the morning, five o'clock at night and the school runs and so there's already going to be an impact to the air quality once the trees are lost.

"And then you add into that the new cars that will be used by the new residents.

"The design of Twydall is probably one of the best housing estates that I've come across for that balance between people living in large council houses - the original houses are all very good sizes - and having green amenable space near to them, and what is happening is the council has taken that land which is owned by the public and they are turning us into sardine cans.

"That will have a detrimental effect, not just on the environment, but on the mental wellbeing of all of the residents."

Ms Belmonte urged anyone who had concerns about the developments to write to their councillors and the council's planning department.

Deputy council leader, Cllr Howard Doe (Con), portfolio holder for housing and community services, said: "We are very proud of our role as a local landlord and take our responsibility as a local provider of affordable homes very seriously.

"We are committed to delivering a successful new build programme that will provide a legacy of homes that are attractive, useable, durable and that will contribute to our local community and the environment.

"Whilst our developments on Eastcourt Green and Woodchurch Crescent do result in a small loss of green space as a result of the development, an additional 20 trees will be planted across the two sites.

“Other ecological enhancements such as bird and bat boxes, shrubs, soft planting and grasses will also be re-provided as part of the project.

"The development at Woodchurch Crescent also includes the reprovision of a new play area for children within the local community to use and enjoy.

"A significant Section 106 contribution has also been made to enhance existing open space within the Goudhurst Road, Beechings Way and Vinall Park area.”

Some of the council's plans for the area also centered around building a small number of council homes on sites containing garages, which are currently under way.

On Wednesday, July 21, the planning committee rejected more council-led plans to demolish 19 garages next to Danson Way in Twydall and replace them with two three-bedroom houses over concerns of overdevelopment and loss of parking spaces.

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