PLANS to protect an open space from development by making it a village green have been opposed by Gravesham Council.

In January residents’ group Urban Gravesham applied to Kent County Council (KCC) to have St Andrew’s Gardens in Gravesend designated a village green, which would prevent development on the site.

Last week both the council and Edinburgh House, which scrapped plans to build a 33-storey tower on the site in January after public opposition, lodged an official objection to the application.

Gravesham Council leader Councillor Mike Snelling said: “As a matter of policy the council would oppose any moves which would fetter its discretion as to future use of land in the borough.

“Especially since attempts to register village greens have now become a nationally recognised device by pressure groups to frustrate development.”

Cllr Snelling added: “It remains a fact the council is legally bound by a development agreement with Edinburgh House, signed by a previous administration, for some building on St Andrew's Gardens.

“Because of this we are obliged to keep our options open at this time while we await the developer’s new proposals.”

KCC is currently considering the application with a view to reaching a decision in the next few months.

Urban Gravesham secretary Sue Couves said: "We are disappointed but not surprised the council seeks to block our application, which would safeguard these riverside gardens as a permanent open green space for the recreational use of the people of Gravesend.

“We are confident of winning this fight to save St Andrew's Gardens, because our campaign has the support of so many local people who are determined to defend our riverside.

“We welcome the opportunity to present our case to the higher courts if need be.”

Village greens are open spaces which have regularly been used by the public for at least 20 years, and cannot be built upon.