A partially underground house is being built next to the historic Bleak House.

The single storey property sits beside the clifftop mansion in Broadstairs where Charles Dickens wrote one of his most famous books, David Copperfield.

Grade II-listed Bleak House, the most prominent building in the seaside town and currently on the market for £2.5million, was a favoured holiday home of the author, who spent his summers lodging there.

Work on the new property, which is split-level and partially underground, started more than 10 years ago, but construction stalled near to its completion.

A new owner has now taken on the site with the hope of completing the building to create a three-bed family home with sun room and cinema.

In an application to Thanet council for amendments to the original plan concerning the external appearance, which have been approved, developer Fiona Sims says the site has been derelict for a number of years and they hope to finish it.

"What may not be apparent from the plans is that with the exception of what we are trying to achieve the rest of the building has already been completed, and some few years ago, by the previous owner," she said.

"The remaining area, one room basically, had planning permission for a tall orangery with a higher roof level than the rest of the build which is at street level.

"We have come up with a plan which lowers the roof level and reduces the visual impact, but could give a much more useful and adaptable living space."

The planning committee on Broadstairs Town Council voted unanimously to object to the proposal due to concerns with loss of light, what they deem are unclear plans and that the development is out of keeping with the area, which is a conservation site.

But Thanet District Council approved the latest plan, stating the proposal is acceptable in terms of character and there would be a limited impact on Bleak House.

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