A house and stable block look set to be demolished to make way for 30 homes.

Developers say the properties, proposed for Walmer, near Deal, will “stand out from your everyday housing estate” due to the quality of materials, while blending in and complementing the area.

However, neighbours fear the new homes on Station Road will be a “tipping point” in the “continued urbanisation” of the neighbourhood.

The scheme has been put forward for the 2.7-acre site by Austin Smith Homes Ltd, who would knock down the existing three-bed detached property and build on the hardstanding area as well as a neighbouring grazing field.

Under the proposals there will be five four-bedroom, 23 three-bedroom, and two two-bedroom homes. Some nine of the homes will be affordable.

There will also be room for 64 car parking spaces, including five disabled spots and cycle storage.

An open landscaped area will include a pond and a children’s play area.

The site was previously allocated under Dover District Council’s (DDC) local plan for 25 homes.

In documents submitted as part of the application, the Deal-based developer says: “The proposal is intended to improve and enhance the current site, in a predominantly residential area.

“The design and finish have been created to present an interesting, sensitive architectural character and appearance, which is intended to blend in and complement the existing surroundings.

“The site is located in an urban area where there is no objection to the principle of proposed redevelopment.

“We have opted for quality and expensive materials in order to make this development ‘stand out’ from your everyday housing estate.

“The scale, location and design of the development will preserve the landscape character of the locality.”

A pedestrian footway is required along the full length of the northern boundary of the site, to connect to the existing paths, provide an off-carriageway pedestrian route to Walmer station and link to adjoining new developments to the north.

Opposite the proposed plot, two controversial housing plans have already been approved.

Outline permission was granted for Gladman Developments of 140 homes to the west of Cross Road, while work is underway on the Abbey Homes scheme to provide 100 properties to the east of the route.

The news has left some residents fearing more development edging closer to their doors, with five objections registered on DDC’s planning portal.

Milo Hill commented: “My property has, in recent years, been surrounded by multiple new-build developments.

“The current proposal represents a tipping point, where the continued urbanisation of this area is beginning to fundamentally alter its character and place an unreasonable burden on long-standing residents.

“I also respectfully urge the planning committee to reconsider the positioning of the site entrance and to take all possible steps to retain existing mature trees on the boundary.

“A more sensitive and considered approach to access and landscaping could help address these concerns while still allowing much-needed housing to proceed.”

Dan Brown, who has lived near the site for the last five years, also fears the area lacks infrastructure to support more homes.

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He said: “If developers want to build more housing, they need to provide the infrastructure, even just to show good faith to existing residents.

“I know they’ve added passing points in the past, but it’s still a single-track road that needs to be improved.”

A decision on the plans is expected by DDC later this year.