VILLAGERS in Meopham could take their battle over a controversial housing development to a full Gravesham Council meeting.

Meopham Parish Council was the first to take advantage of a new rule, last summer, allowing members of the public to address councillors in the chamber.

And it plans to do this again when a planning application to build five houses on a plot known as Homeside, off Wrotham Road goes before the council.

Last week, planners voted to approve a scheme but it will be referred to the full council after three committee members said it needed further consideration.

Ward councillor Donald Menzies said: "I was disgusted the full merits of the application were not considered. Senior officers had advised this was a very marginal decision but most of the Labour councillors just stuck their hands up to vote it through."