Worried residents have warned “Lego-style” modern houses could spoil their village’s rural character after plans were lodged for 21 homes.

The mini new-build estate would replace two agricultural buildings at Church Farm on land off School Lane in Hoath, between Canterbury and Herne Bay.

The scheme includes a new children’s play area, public open space, parking and landscaping along the northern boundary to separate the homes from the surrounding countryside.

The site is allocated for housing in Canterbury City Council’s draft Local Plan - albeit for 17 homes, rather than the 21 now proposed.

However, both residents and Hoath Parish Council have voiced concerns during consultations held between 2022 and 2025.

A statement of community involvement prepared as part of the planning application relayed their feedback.

“The parish council brought up concern regarding the height of the dwellings, stating they are particular regarding design,” it says.

“They used the example of the Sturry Hill development stating they do not like the ‘Lego’ look.”

David Wilson Homes has been building a new-build estate off Herne Bay Road in Sturry called The Woodlands, where prices range from £162,498 to £599,995.

For a village of just a few hundred residents, people in Hoath felt a 21-home development represented a notable increase in the housing stock for the area.

Parish councillors also raised fears about how traffic and road safety could be impacted.

“Traffic within the village was noted as being particularly congested along School Lane,” the statement says.

“The additional traffic from 20 dwellings would potentially mean 40 new cars within the village, which could pose a danger to residents.”

Residents also questioned whether Hoath has the infrastructure to support more homes, citing the lack of bus services and limited school capacity.

The parish council has asked for designs that reflect the village’s rural character.

The statement adds: "It was requested that the development have no street lights to keep the open sky view surrounding the village.

“They feel as though street lights would be out of place and not in keeping with the village, which is in a dark skies area.”

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Following feedback, developers Cantium Land and Development Limited removed plans for a community shop and instead proposed the play park near School Lane.

Cantium says the homes will meet national space standards, include private gardens and parking, and incorporate biodiversity and drainage improvements.

City planners will now assess whether the scheme meets environmental and housing policies before deciding if the 21-home estate can go ahead.

If outline permission is granted, the type and design of the houses will be decided at a later part of the planning process.