Plans to build 156 homes in Wilmington have been opposed by councillors who have criticised a lack of affordable housing.

The development, on the North Kent College site, plans to knock down and convert existing buildings for homes.

According to developer Bellway, the western part of the campus contains several "poor quality" buildings which have been designated for demolition by the college.

A planning statement also adds new landscaping and infrastructure will be built in order to support the homes.

However, an objection lodged by Wilmington Parish Council has dismissed the plans, claiming they do not meet the affordable housing targets for the borough which are set by Dartford Council, and are also on a greenbelt site.

According to the parish council, the development would contribute to the loss of green space and sports pitches in the area.

It also argues greenbelt space on the site has already been lost recently due to expansions made by the college.

Wilmington Council has criticised the proposal for making 24 per cent of the development affordable, when the borough council's requirement is 30 per cent.

The application makes no mention of social housing.

Bellway Homes' planning statement argues there are "very special circumstances" which outweigh the harm caused by building on a greenbelt site.

It has promised to give funding to a new college building and maintain historic buildings on the site.

The developer also argues the improvements it will make to the setting and landscape of the college campus will offset the concerns of building on greenbelt land.

However, Wilmington Council has rejected the "very special circumstances", arguing they are not enough to overturn policy for building on greenbelt land.

Despite Bellway's promise to add infrastructure to support the development, Wilmington Council says it will place "increased and unacceptable pressure" on highways nearby.