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Plans to convert a disused building into five apartments have angered neighbours, who fear the development will invade their privacy.
The derelict site in Broadmead Road, Folkestone, backs right onto the home of one couple, who have branded the idea “ridiculous”.
James and Sandra Tagford, who have lived there for 45 years, are concerned people living in the new flats would be “looking right into our garden”.
“It’s just ridiculous - you feel like you’re being hemmed in,” Mrs Tagford, 81, told KentOnline.
“We’re going to be looking right into their properties as well. There’s no privacy involved there at all.”
The husband and wife also raised concerns about the lack of parking provision and potential noise during construction.
“The building is in our garden, so it’s going to be incredibly disruptive,” Mr Tagford, 76, added.
“At our age, we do not need this stress.
“There are not enough parking spaces out there as it is.
“The last thing we need is more cars coming to the area.”
According to the plans, the layouts have been designed with neighbours’ privacy in mind, with obscure glass windows placed at least 1.7 metres above floor level to prevent overlooking.
External refurbishment will also “improve the building’s appearance and enhance the neighbourhood”.
Another resident, Lindsay Melrose, expressed mixed feelings about the proposals for the building, which was formerly home to offices for building company R J Engineering.
Commenting on Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s planning portal, she said: “While we are very supportive of the building being reused, we do not believe enough attention has been taken with the current planning application to address privacy, noise, refuse, and adequate measures for access.
“It doesn’t add anything positive to the local area or environment.”
She also says it is overly dense and compared it unfavourably to a similar project nearby.
“The development at 52 Broadmead Road is vastly larger in size and was able to create full-sized houses with outdoor space and parking while keeping sky views,” she added.
“The distance between the new-builds and the neighbours meant most of the issues we mention here were not relevant.”
In the planning documents, the applicant John Osbourne argues that the development will enhance the area by transforming a rundown building into modern housing.
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
The proposals emphasise sustainability, citing the building’s location near amenities and public transport as a reason for not including parking spaces.