Plans for self-build homes close to an important bird habitat have been turned down.

Esquire Developments asked for permission to allow construction of up to 21 properties on two sites along Lodge Hill Lane, Chattenden, near Rochester.

The sites – one of which houses old farm buildings – neighbour Chattenden Woods and the Lodge Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which is a habitat for nightingales, a protected species.

The earmarked land is close to the MoD's former army camp and the closed Deangate Ridge golf course, both of which are covered by the SSSI.

A recommendation to turn down the plans was backed by Medway councillors when they met on Wednesday.

A statement from ward representative, Cllr John Williams (Con), read out by the head of planning Dave Harris, said: "Consenting this development – not only being within 400 metres of the SSSI but adjacent to its boundary – would set a dangerous precedent for development being brought forward for the Hoo Peninsula.

"I feel this development would be detrimental to the area, loss of amenity to existing residents, a danger to wildlife in the local SSSI and it's totally unsustainable."

Objections to the plans were also raised by the RSPB, Natural England, and Kent Wildlife Trust.

Had the plans been successful, both developments would have been accessed via Lodge Hill Lane.

Hoo St Werburgh Parish Council was concerned those living in the homes would likely be reliant on cars, therefore increasing traffic along the single-track road.

One of the sites was earmarked for nine homes, whilst the other could have had between eight and 12 homes.

It had been suggested the sites would have a policy in place whereby residents could not own cats and the site would be secured with cat-proof fencing to reduce the risk of harm to nightingales.

Mr Harris said he wasn't comfortable with the idea of a no-cat policy because it would be difficult to enforce.

Cllr Martin Potter (Con) pointed out how ironically, there is a cattery in Lodge Hill Lane and said if the decision to refuse the plans went to appeal the applicant's lawyers may point this out.