Additional reporting by Nicola Jordan

Controversial plans to build 200 homes, a school and convert an historic barn into a wedding venue have sparked further concern among residents.

They fear that the scheme, earmarked for a disused chalk quarry off Parsonage Lane in Frindsbury, would cause traffic congestion, noise and loss of privacy.

Some are also angry that the proposal, due to go to the council's planning committee, is larger than initially intended. At one point 130 homes were outlined.

Developers first submitted a scoping opinion to Medway Council for plans on the land in November 2019.

The secondary school and sixth form, to be called Maritime Academy, would have places for up to 1,150 pupils and is being developed by the Department for Education.

It will be run by the Thinking Schools Academy Trust which also manages a number of other schools in the area.

The Grade I listed 14th century barn would be converted into a wedding venue and conference facility.

Cow sheds, dating back to the 19th century would provide overnight accommodation for guests.

One resident Linda Davey, who lives in Wainscott said the traffic was already a "nightmare" in the area with thousands of employees coming on and off Medway City Estate.

Mrs Davey said: "What's it going to be like with people picking up from the school and potentially another 400 cars from the housing estate?"

Cllr Stephen Hubbard (Lab) ward councillor said he was "disappointed" and the inevitable increased traffic was "unacceptable".

He said: "This site is at the top of a dry valley which has been protected against development since the creation of the first local plan adopted in 1991.

"The valley is the green space between Frindsbury, Wainscott, Upnor and Chattenden.

"Developers are pushing for housing development throughout the valley. It is at risk of urban creek despite having a large flood plain."

Cllr Hubbard also questioned the proposed change of use for the barn.

He added: "Concerns have been raised about the appropriateness of the barn being converted into a potentially noisy and disruptive wedding and conference venue.

"The barn is located off Parsonage Lane, which is the quietest street in Frindsbury, very much a rural road on the urban edge."

In December last year, Medway's planning committee told developers an Environmental Impact Assessment was required ahead of formal plans being submitted.

The online consultation is open until Friday, November 13 to find out more, click here.

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