A housing project that would have brought more than a hundred new homes to Dartford has been rejected by Dartford councillors despite officers recommending it be approved.

An application submitted by Crest Nicholson proposed 151 homes, including a tower block, be built in the Pier at Ingress Site, Greenhithe was rejected last week.

The developers wanted to build 16 apartments, 115 two bed apartments, 6 three bed houses and 14 four bed houses.

The development control board rejected the application for changing the open character of the surrounding area, for limiting the open space adjacent to the River Thames.

A third reason given in a report after the meeting said the Ingress Park development is not fully served by public transport and the proposal was considered to have inadequate provisions for parking.

Councillor Keith Kelly, one of the Ward Members for the site, addressed the board on behalf of residents.

Cllr Kelly told News Shopper: “There were a number of issues with this application. There were concerns about the levels of affordable housing.

“Parking is a real issue as it is and one parking space per property is not enough.

“This is a good win for the residents who would have been significantly impacted by this proposal as it was.

”An already approved development would open the space up, this application would have a serious impact on those already living there.”

More than 450 residents signed a petition against the scheme because the 16 story tower block would be “completely blocked”.

Commenting on the proposals, one resident wrote: "I am concerned regarding the increase in traffic and overcrowding and impact of public transport at Greenhithe Station as well as residents losing the river view that the properties have now."

Another resident wrote: "The additional building work will put increased pressure on the already stretched infrastructure around Greenhithe."

Crest Nicholson said the scheme would have benefited the area.

A spokesman said: “We’re naturally very disappointed that Dartford Borough Council has rejected the application for The Pier, Greenhithe.

“The scheme was the result of over two years of pre-application discussions and engagement with the local community, and the detailed proposals were supported by all the statutory consultees.

“The scheme would have delivered many tangible benefits to the local community, as well as 151 much-needed new homes for the Dartford area as outlined in the plans. We will await the formal details of the reason for the decision before considering our next steps.”