Campaigners say the development will destroy the park

Developers Medway Magna say the area needs houses and an economic boost, but campaigners say most of Capstone Farm Country Park will be destroyed.

The meeting is to decide whether the area's structure plan should be changed to allow the development to go ahead.

Jonathan Shaw, MP for Chatham and Aylesford, said more homes are needed, but they should go on brownfield land.

He said: "A group of developers hoping to cash in and build 9,000 houses that aren't needed in the area and are certainly not wanted in that particular beautiful green land.

"I hope these plans will be consigned to where they belong - in the dustbin."

Capstone Country Farm is 'a green lung', protesters say

Brian Warner, chairman of Hempstead Residents' Association, said: "To build another village three times the size of Hempstead will destroy what they call 'the green lung' between Hempstead and Walderslade - and it will destroy most of Capstone Country Park.

"It's sacrilege, so a few land owners can make a few more million pounds."

But Graham Warren, a spokesman for Medway Magna, said: "We think Medway is relying too much for housing provision on the urban area and regeneration sites.

"Clearly, dereliction has to be dealt with, but this is a simultaneous proposal that would raise Medway's economic game and assist regeneration."

He added: "There is a need here for key workers and affordable housing - Medway has to play its part and provide good quality employment to reduce commuting.

"The economy of Medway is such that its gross domestic product is more akin to parts of the north east of England than the south east and a snap change is required."