Plans to build more than 100 homes close to a village centre will create a “blot on the landscape”, residents say.

Members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) are expected to approve proposals for 132 homes in Dymchurch despite more than a 100 objections.

Redbridge Estates argue transforming a parcel of farmland, off Dymchurch Road, into an estate the size of 12 football pitches will “benefit and enhance” the village.

But residents have blasted the proposals as “catastrophic” and insist they place the community “in danger of losing Dymchurch”.

Redbridge launched a bid in 2021 to build on land to the west, next to High Knocke Farm, attracting more than 105 objections.

Of those, Dymchurch Parish Council cited fears over potential flood risk and strains on infrastructure.

The district council’s planning committee is expected to make a decision on the application next week, with officers recommending the scheme's approval.

Residents have also voiced fears over losing the land, which has been farmed for 30 years, claiming it will cause “major upset” to sheep, geese, chickens, goats, bees and rheas.

Mr and Mrs Eden, who live in the nearby Fairways Estate opposite the site, said in a letter to planning bosses the homes will “be a blot on the landscape of Dymchurch”.

They also argued the works would create the “destruction of wildlife habitat” which “the locals and our tourists alike treasure”, and expressed fears of congestion and further strain on GPs.

Council papers show others complained the estate will strip the coastal village’s identity.

“We wholly believe this will be a catastrophic decision if this application is approved,” wrote Mr and Mrs Newman.

“We are in danger of losing Dymchurch.

“People have visited the village for many years, for all the quaintness the village offers.

“If this development goes ahead, we will lose our identity and the visitors will stop,” they added.

Louise Barton dubbed the project an “opportunistic housing development proposal outside the Local Plan”.

“There is no justification for this development on the basis of need,” she added.

“Despite being earmarked for more sparing development, Romney Marsh has consistently punched well above its weight in terms of housing delivery.”

Brian Morton expressed worries about the loss of agricultural land, with the site having been farmed by tenants “for over 30 years, with sheep, geese, chickens, goats, bees and recently rheas,” which would need to be moved, causing “major upset.”

Rheas are a flightless ostrich-like bird which can grow to 170cm tall and run at up to 40mph.

In documents submitted to FHDC’s planning department, the developers tell of their plans to build “an outstanding residential development”.

They claim the homes will “benefit and enhance the local community” by providing market and affordable housing and a much needed boost” to the area.

Redbridge, who are developing the site in partnership with East Stour Developments, boast of the scheme’s environmental credentials, “contributing to ecological enhancements and biodiversity gain” and local employment opportunities.

The site is about 400 metres from the centre of Dymchurch itself.

Despite the plans representing “a departure from the development plan,” and attracting the unanimous objection of Dymchurch Parish Council, FHDC planning chiefs are recommending members back the plans.

Planning officers say the homes will bring “social and economic benefits” such as “enhancing the vitality of an existing rural community by virtue of its relatively sustainable location”.

The bid is only an outline application - meaning specific details like layout, landscaping, and the types of home will be dealt with later on.

The developers say the estate will include both market and affordable housing, but the mix of types will only be confirmed in later reserved matters planning applications.

FHDC’s planning committee are set to meet to decide on the plans on Tuesday (June 6).