A controversial plan for 62 new homes off Scocles Road, Minster, has taken another step forward.

The estate at The Slips, near the junction of Elm Lane, was granted outline permission by Swale council.

Speaking at a planning committee meeting on Thursday, Mick Drury, who represents the developer, said a planning inspector had recently agreed the site was suitable for residential development in the Local Plan – the council’s blueprint for what can be built and where.

He said he understood councillors’ concerns about adding traffic to the already congested Barton Hill Drive and Lower Road junction, but said the proposed schedule showed the road improvements would have been completed about six months before the first house is occupied.

Cllr Tina Booth (Con), who represents Sheppey Central, said the scheme was “rather large” but hoped the number of homes would be reduced from 62 to 50 when a detailed application came back to the committee.

However, Cllr Mike Baldock (UKIP) said: “I am not at all happy at giving outline planning permission for up to 62 dwellings. If anybody realistically thinks that we are going to see a full plan come through with anything less than 62, let alone 50…well, I don’t think that’s going to happen at all. We won’t have a single ground to argue against it because we have already given outline permission for up to 62.

“I think it is serious over-development and the outline planning permission should reflect what we want to see.”

Cllr Andy Booth (Con) said the biggest issue with scheme was the Island’s infrastructure.

“The revised layout that should happen at the bottom of Barton Hill Drive will not affect the infrastructure on the Isle of Sheppey,” he said.

“It will not be a magic wand that’s going to free up all the traffic.”

“We’re adding little pockets to what is already a huge housing development.

“I’m dead against that entire development. I think it’s monstrous and we’re now going to add further abuse, further trouble and further hassle to all those residents.”

Cllr Cameron Beart (Con) asked for the addition of a condition that no more than 22 homes could be occupied before the Barton Hill Drive roundabout was fully operational. This was agreed.

Nine members voted for the application, seven voted against and one abstained.