People who live close to the controversial Lodge Hill scheme are to launch a petition in support of the development.

The group believe building 5,000 homes and facilities on the former army site will bring much needed investment, infrastructure and jobs to a deprived deprived part of north Kent.

Avril Sime, leader of a children’s church group at Bishop Gundulph Church, Chattenden, said: “If you’ve got a car and money it’s a beautiful place to live but it you haven’t got anything, this is a hell of a place to live.”

The nearest shop is at the petrol station on Four Elms Hill and the nearest doctors’ surgery is Elms Medical Centre, Hoo - according to the residents, its patient list is full.

The group added that there is nothing for children and young people to do, which is causing a lot of anti-social behaviour.

Darrell Turner, 44, a father of six, said: “Children just wander around because they are bored, yet on the edge of the camp there is a playground but it is fenced off.”

Mr Turner added: “Other places have successfully created managed bird sanctuaries next to developments, there’s no reason they can’t do that here.

“Then we could actually enjoy the nightingales because at the moment they are behind fences and all that land is going to waste.”

As well as 5,000 homes Land Securities’ plans include community and sports facilities, three new primary schools, a secondary school, a health centre, shops, two hotels, improved roads and public transport links, and will create 5,000 jobs.

The Chattenden Primary School is struggling to accommodate those living nearby - there were 90 applications for September’s intake for just 30 places.

"I want to see these children with decent opportunities and decent housing so they get a chance, there’s nothing here for them" - Lodge Hill supporter Avril Sime

Head teacher Tim Muggridge said: “We have situations where we can’t take in a child who lives just across the street, which seems crazy.

"My goal is for the school to be the centre of this community and to serve the people who live here.”

The primary school is already in talks with developer Land Securities who want to tear down the old school building and replace it as part of the project.

Mrs Sime, an associate governor at the school, said: “Our job is to care for the community and I want to see these children with decent opportunities and decent housing so they get a chance, there’s nothing here for them.”

Medway Council approved the Lodge Hill plans in September but, due to the controversial nature of the development, the fate of the site now lies in the hands of the Secretary for State for Communities and Local Government.