A new plan to build a block of flats in a city conservation area has been approved by council planners.

The three and four-storey block will replace two existing buildings at 2 and 2A Ethelbert Road, which is a designated heritage area with the Kent and Canterbury Hospital at one end.

A previous application for the 10-flat development, submitted by David Barzotelli, was refused last year and dismissed on appeal, with a planning inspector saying it would harm the character and appearance of the road.

But the Pilgrim’s Lodge care homeowner, who also runs Greenham Properties, submitted a new proposal addressing concerns over the size.

He says the new design will integrate better into the historic road.

Mr Barzotelli intends to demolish the existing buildings - a block of six flats and a four-bedroom home - and build seven replacement and three new flats.

“Canterbury has a recognised need for good quality housing within the central Canterbury area,” he said in a planning document, put together by RDA Architects.

“The new development will see the creation of 10 two-bedroomed flats.

"Canterbury has a recognised need for good quality housing within the central Canterbury area" - David Barzotelli

“They will be designed in such a way to blend in with the existing dwellings along Ethelbert Road and there will be six car parking spaces provided where currently the flats use on-street parking.”

In the previous unsuccessful application, concerns were raised about excessive parking, the height, size and form of the building, and the removal of the existing front wall.

The new approved plan shows a reduction in parking with added hedging and landscaped areas, retention of the wall, a reduction in height and changes to the form and detailing to "create a proposal that has a positive impact".

Planning officer Joanna Dymowska says the development is now of an acceptable design and scale that will enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area and not result in any harm.

Members of the Oaten Hill and South Canterbury Association objected to the previous proposal on the grounds it was over-sized and raised fears over the safety of vehicle access and movements.

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