More than 100 people, including a school head teacher, have objected to plans to demolish a dance hall and replace it with retirement flats.

The future of the Dance Easy studio in The Bayle, Folkestone, is under threat as developers look to build a three-storey block of six self-contained retirement flats in its place.

The proposal by Charlier Construction, which will be decided by Shepway council, includes a detached bike store and rubbish bin area on the site of the studio, which is used for weekly yoga classes, comedy nights and hire.

Opponents fear that new homes may increase traffic in The Bayle and spoil the conservation area and historic feel within the cul-de-sac.

The neighbouring St Eanswythe’s Church of England Primary School already causes the road to become busy during drop-off and pick-up times, and the “huge safety risk” to the children has been highlighted.

Head teacher Jane Garrett said: “The site currently has a shared drive with the school. Every morning and evening 225 children, their parents and younger siblings pass down this driveway. The risk for children would be increased and this would present a safeguarding issue.”

In a newsletter that went out to parents last week, the school said that parents with safety concerns should comment on the application or write to the council. The rear of the flats will also look over the school’s concrete playground, it is understood.

But the design statement attached to the planning application says the new flats will mimic the Victorian design of the other properties.

It also says that because of its close proximity to the town centre, there is no parking provision included, which will encourage people to use public transport, walk or cycle. It says: “The previous use of the dance hall included functions and music, which may have caused late-night nuisance and disturbance to neighbouring residents. The replacement of this building with residential flats will therefore negate this potential noise nuisance and late-night use.”

A similar application for the site was previously approved but has since expired. The club has set up a hashtag on social media, #SaveDanceEasy, and T-shirts have also been made with the word “save” written across the Dance Easy logo.