A site once occupied by a historic manor designed and lived in by a renowned architect could become home to a contemporary apartment complex.

The proposal, due to be discussed by Thanet council's planning committee on Wednesday, has been submitted by Sunningdale House Developer involving five new buildings, part three and part four-storeys high, where North Foreland Manor in Broadstairs once stood.

The large house, designed in the 1920s by architect Edgar Radgar, who was celebrated in his profession with a lifetime honour from the Royal Institute of British Architects, was recently demolished.

The plans have been met with fierce backlash with critics warning the "eye sore" will spoil the area, threaten ecology and add pressure to the busy North Foreland Road, which is already under strain with parking by beach-goers at nearby Stone Bay.

Some had previously also pleaded for the manor house to be preserved, before it was flattened.

About 60 objections have been submitted, including one from Broadstairs Town Council, demanding the plans, which includes underground parking for 72 cars, be refused.

Many argue there are too many flats for the size of the plot.

The Broadstairs Society also submitted its concerns to Thanet council.

Peter Lorenzo, from the group, wrote: "The society is not convinced that the development is complementary, just the opposite - it is overbearing, using materials like quartz tiles that would make it stand out in an area where the vernacular material is flint with bricks, and will be out of character especially when comparing it against Stone House and Bevan Court."

Residents of the nearby Stone House, a Grade II listed building, also warn the land has many tunnels and question what will happen if an underground car park is built.

Neighbour Dr Kevin Swaddle raised the issue as part of his objection.

"In proposing excavation of the site for an underground car park, has consideration been given to the fact that this cliff is riddled with tunnels?

"We have one ourselves that runs from the cellars of Stone House through the cliff down to Stone Bay.

"Excavation can only weaken an already unstable cliff further."

Due to the concerns raised, the application has been called in to the planning committee by Cllr Bob Bayford for members to consider whether it represents an over-development of the site.

Applicant Sunningdale House Developer says the environment has been addressed through the contemporary design.

"This includes the provision of all parking underground, the provision of a safe and accessible development, the mitigation of potential impact on the residential amenities of neighbouring occupants, and the landscape and biodiversity enhancements."

Exterior Architecture, which drew up plans for Sunningdale, also states that the design draws inspiration from the site's coastal location.

The development, if approved, will include 34 two-bedroom flats over part three and part four-storey buildings, with underground parking, a petanque court, and paved and lawned areas with seating.

Kent County Council has asked for financial developer contributions including £38,556 towards primary education, £39,848 for secondary, £29,750 for play equipment and £25, 783 for health provision, should it be built.

Members of Thanet's planning committee have been recommended to defer and delegate for approval.

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