Deal Town Council has opposed a planning application for 10 chalet bungalows in Dola Avenue, to the delight of nearby residents.

The decision was made at a meeting on Wednesday night, which was attended by more than 40 residents mainly from Foster Way and Middle Deal Road.

Chairman Cllr Wayne Elliot said: “The last time we saw a turnout like this was for the Sholden Fields development.”

The council refused the planning application as overbearing in terms of the local community, negative environmental impact, serious issues on parking and highway safety, highway regulations and lastly because it contravenes guidance in national planning framework in regard to ratio of cars per dwelling.

Five members of the public spoke against the application during the meeting including Sandra Heyworth and Paddy McCurry, both of Foster Way.

Mrs Heyworth said: “We’re pleased that they listened to us and that they agree with us. It will have a huge impact on the character of the neighbourhood and lifestyle to residents.”

One of the most prominent concerns by residents is that the plans, proposed by Easton Builders, only include one parking space per house.

Mrs Heyworth said: “Foster Way is a small close with 37 houses, built 34 years ago, when there were fewer cars.

“There are no allocated parking bays in the close and the area is already too built up, with cars parked on the pavement in the evenings and at weekends.

“There is no room at all to take second or visiting cars for these proposed houses.

“To say that people have one car per household is laughable nowadays.”

Residents are also concerned that access to the houses will be via a through-road in Dola Avenue and Foster Way, meaning Foster Way will no longer be a cul-de-sac.

The road is currently a safe environment for children but they feel that could change.

Mrs Heyworth said: “Children will not be able to scoot around and ride their bikes.

“The whole neighbourhood will be affected.”

Some residents have also been disappointed that they weren’t informed of the plans.

They claim only a “handful” of people received letters from Easton Builders, but they
weren’t given to households who were going to be the most affected, such as those whose gardens back on to the land.

There is already more than 20 public comments objecting to the plans online.

KentOnline and the Mercury are still awaiting a comment from Easton Builders.

For more comments from residents, pick up this week's East Kent Mercury - out now.

Residents can submit their views to Dover District Council via www.dover.gov.uk, by emailing developmentcontrol@dover.gov.uk or by writing to Development Management Section, White Cliffs Business Park, Dover, CT13 3PJ