CONTROVERSIAL plans to turn a former village pub into 20 flats and houses are stirring up angry residents again.

In March last year people living near the former Chequers Inn in Higham celebrated when an application by developer Red Admiral Homes to build 22 new properties on the site was refused by Gravesham council.

But the prospect reared its head again last week, with the latest application for 20 properties, including five affordable homes, being deferred by councillors who want to visit the site.

Although the application has been reduced by two properties, it is still being slammed by neighbours as "over-development".

Kevin Rice, director of developer Red Admiral Homes, defended his application and said, as a former resident himself, and with many members of his family still living in the village, he only has its best interests at heart.

He said: "I was born and bred in Higham, but had to move to Northfleet because I couldn’t afford to buy a house there. I just want to bring affordable homes to the parish."

His company bought the Chequers Inn pub two years ago for £1.25 million, but Mr Rice said he stands to make far less money than originally planned because the planning process has dragged on for so long.

He said: "We listened to the residents who said they wanted to keep the pub, and have agreed to convert it into flats at a big cost to ourselves. But we have to get some money back for the development somewhere."

He added that if the application is refused he will appeal.

For the full story see this week's Gravesend Messenger.