Controversial plans to build retirement homes close to an important bird habitat have been approved, despite the homes being likened to a "gulag camp".

A bid to build 50 homes off View Road, Cliffe Woods, near Rochester, was originally refused by councillors in 2017.

They were later allowed following an appeal made to the Planning Inspectorate subject to a condition which said future residents wouldn't be allowed to own dogs or cats because the site is close to where nightingales nest.

However, the permission has since lapsed and councillors have since been asked to consider the plans two more times, turning them down again both times.

Most recently, members of Medway Council's planning committee turned down Graham Simpkin Planning Ltd's plans in June last year, despite some members saying there was a need for more homes for elderly people.

A new plan put forward by Chelmsford-based Stonechart Developments Ltd was for 50 apartments and bungalows of one and two bedrooms, as well as a scooter store, clubhouse, and wellness room.

During a meeting on Wednesday, councillors were split in their views on the scheme but ultimately passed the plans.

One of the conditions for approval is a ban on residents keeping cats.

Ward representative Cllr Gary Etheridge (Con), likened the proposals to a "1950’s eastern European gulag camp" in a statement read out by head of planning Dave Harris.

He said he was unhappy with the size of the apartment blocks and had concerns those living in Englefield Crescent would be overlooked, adding how the development was "out of character" for the area.

The plans, in their current form, were the subject of 34 letters from residents, who joined Cliffe and Cliffe Woods Parish Council and the Dickens Country Protection Society in objecting the plans.

Natural England were also opposed due to the site's proximity to the Chattenden Woods and Lodge Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Cllr Simon Curry (Lab) said he felt the site is unsustainable due to it being far from a town centre, and therefore those wanting to access services would have to drive as public transport is "inadequate".

Committee chairman Cllr Diane Chambers (Con) said: "There's always this assumption that there are going to be people moving into the area.

"I've always subscribed to the view that there are probably people in the area who do want to downsize. I think this is a worthy project."

The plans were passed with 11 in favour and three against.

The site neighbours a planned development of 68 homes which was narrowly passed earlier this year.

At the time, the council's head of planning Dave Harris suggested a ban on cat ownership for future residents could be something which could be enforced for the development - which is being managed by Esquire Developments - but it may be difficult to police.