Highways bosses have raised safety concerns about plans for more than 100 homes.

A proposal for 134 houses, split across three different sites on The Hoo Peninsula, was submitted by Esquire Developments to Medway Council in December.

All parts of the plot would be accessed from four new locations in Stoke Road.

One of the sites would also replace the now-derelict Sturdee Sports and Social Club, which has sat empty for more than a decade after moving its base to Gillingham.

However, National Highways has suggested any decision on the project be delayed, and has requested more information about how traffic generated by the new homes could impact the M2 and road network.

In a statement, a spokesman said: "We will be concerned with proposals that have the potential to impact on the safe and efficient operation of the SRN, in this case, particularly within the vicinity of the M2 Junction 1.

"We require further information to be provided by the applicant on this application, in order that an informed decision can be made in relation to the potential impacts of the development on the strategic road network.

"The site is located some seven miles from Junction 1, accessed via the A289, which forms part of the Local Road Network (LRN).

"It is expected to be under significant pressure, particularly due to committed developments.

"It is recommended that the application should [therefore] not be approved until April 19, 2024.

"This is to allow time for the applicant to resolve the outstanding matters."

Yet the agency insists more data is also needed which looks at the number of fatal and serious accidents in the area.

They would like to see the study area feature junction 1 of the M2, including its slip-roads, with the information including data from the last five years.

The 10-hectare estate would feature a children’s nursery for 120 tots, a cafe and community hub, plus three commercial units.

This would be accompanied by more than two hectares of open space and dedicated play facilities, which Esquire says “will create a vibrant, sustainable community where people can live, work and play”.

Of the 134 homes, 100 would be private properties consisting of 21 two-bedroom houses, as well as 61 three-bedroom and 18 four-bedroom properties.

The remaining 34 homes would be made up of 16 social housing properties and 18 affordable homes, of which 25% would be sold as first homes.

The development also includes the provision of a living quarter of 11 houses and bungalows which would be grouped together specifically for those aged 55 and over.

First formed in 1932, Sturdee Sports and Social Club, which was based on one of the planned plots, was once a popular venue for live music and family entertainment.

However villagers were left stunned after a large drugs factory was later discovered at the ramshackle prefab in 2013.

The club had stopped operating at the property a year prior and now has its headquarters in Sturdee Avenue, Gillingham.

However, its former 505 sq m building still remains – meaning it would be demolished should the project be given the green light.

In a planning statement, Esquire outlined how the new homes would, in its opinion, provide much-needed housing in Medway. To view the plans visit Medway Council’s planning portal here and search for reference MC/23/2857.

It said: “Medway Council is in the early stages of preparing a new Local Plan, which will provide a framework for locating new development and ensure necessary infrastructure is provided and protects the environment.

“Work on the preparation of the new Local Plan has indicated there is potential for development on the Hoo Peninsula as part of the wider growth strategy for Medway.

"Medway Council has also failed to meet its identified housing needs for a number of years.

“There is a pressing need to deliver housing in the area now and help bring forward homes for local people.”