A housing battle that lasted more than three years has come to a “disappointing" end after plans to build 650 homes were allowed on appeal.

The controversial new estate, the size of 43 standard 11-a-side football pitches, which will be constructed in Scocles Road in Minster, on Sheppey, was given the go-ahead on Tuesday, June 24.

Proposals were first put forward in May 2022. Swale council’s own officers were recommended to approve the scheme.

However, at a planning committee in October last year, councillors chose to delay a decision.

This was due to concerns over road safety and the level of contributions from the developers, MLN Land and Properties.

Residents were also against the new homes, with a social media group called Action against Development on Scocles Road forming and having more than 300 members.

Because of the delay, MLN chose to take the proposals to appeal on the grounds that Swale had taken too long to decide on the plans.

Then, in an odd twist, members of the council’s planning committee approved the plans just weeks after the appeal was lodged.

Following a six-hour hearing on May 20, planning inspector Gareth Jones sided with the house builders.

He said the scheme would not have “any significant negative effects on highway safety or congestion that could not be mitigated”.

Instead, Mr Jones added, the development “would result in benefits” to the road network thanks to two new roundabouts.

The inspector also pointed to Swale’s need for affordable housing and how 270 of the new homes would be of this nature.

The project also includes a community hub and outdoor facilities such as a multi-use sports pitch, tennis court, bowling club and allotments.

Cllr Elliott Jayes, who represents Sheppey Central on Swale council, says while he was expecting the result, it is still “very disappointing”.

He said: “After the planning committee agreed to the plans, the writing was on the wall.

“We were also up against the national planning framework and our own lack of housing supply.

“The development will open the area between Minster and Eastchurch up to further building.”

Meanwhile, Tom Nundy, who is also a Sheppey Central councillor, said: “It’s a disappointing result.

“However, the struggle against excessive housing developments and the destruction of green spaces continues - I promise to continue to fight.”

With 650 homes now allowed, it takes the total of houses with permission to be built in Minster to almost 2,000.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

When an applicant appeals to a planning inspector and the appeal is successful, the applicant can claim costs from the council if their actions are deemed unreasonable.

However, the developer withdrew its application to receive costs from the council.

KentOnline has approached MLN Land and Properties for comment.