The fate of up to 700 homes on Sheppey is now in the hands of a planning inspector.

A four-day inquiry into the proposals for the properties at Barton Hill Drive, Minster, Sheppey, finished today.

The applicant, SW Attwood, asked the inspector to look at the plans after Swale council's Planning Committee threw them out last year.

The hearing, originally scheduled to last for six days, started on Monday with the council removing two reasons for its objections - roads concerns and the lack of affordable housing.

It took place in the chamber at the council's HQ in East Street, Sittingbourne, and focused on heritage and open space around the plot.

It was believed the proposal would fail to secure "a sufficient setting to Parsonage Farmhouse" - a Grade-II listed building.

There were also concerns the development would cause "significant and demonstrable harm to the open undeveloped character and appearance of the area".

A site visit took place on Wednesday.

Following the closure of the inquiry, inspector Martin Whitehead, will complete a report with a recommendation for the Secretary of State.

The formal decision is expected to be issued later this year.

Read more: All the latest news from the Isle of Sheppey