A bid to install six eco-pods – described as 'crude timber cabins' by opponents – in the garden of a historic Canterbury hotel has been criticised by neighbours and city conservationists.

Owners at the House of Agnes are planning to launch a new style of accommodation at the St Dunstan’s Street venue in an effort to boost income and plug its financial decline.

But critics say the idea, which would see guests stay in free-standing wooden huts, is not in-keeping with its Grade II-listed surroundings.

Nearby residents have also lodged objections, citing fears over increased noise and light pollution, loss of privacy and heightened parking problems due to additional visitors.

The Canterbury Heritage Design Forum, which aims to safeguard the city’s historical features, is calling for the hotel’s plan to be blocked.

Group secretary Amanda Sparks said: “The proposed sheds are no more than crude timber or composite boarded cabins with mono pitch roofs.

“These have been badly designed and sited as if they are temporary, but they are not.

“The gardens of the House of Agnes are one of its assets. They have, in the past, been degraded by part conversion to car parking, but part of the main lawn is there together with a curious knot garden at the rear.

“The correlation will break up what remains of the garden and the lawn will be chopped up by a series of access paths.”

Bosses at the 16th century hotel say the pods, which would be connected to water and electricity supplies, will help turn it into a “destination venue”.

The design team behind the project added: “It allows the hotel to offer additional accommodation without causing harm to the main house or setting, allowing more people to visit the city.”

It also says it will not “cause harm to the setting of the listed buildings or the character of the conservation area” and will not impact neighbours’ privacy.

However, residents in Linden Grove, which runs behind the hotel, hope the council rejects the pod plan.

Neighbour Dr Sivapatham Shivasankar said: “This is going to create unacceptable levels of noise and light pollution which would lead to disruption to my family and neighbours. The six pods potentially could have 30 people in the small garden.”

Without permission for the extra accommodation, the hotel says “at best it will slowly limp along and continue to decline until it is no longer financially viable”.

General manager Sandie de Rougemont said: “Guests come to the House of Agnes because of the proximity to the city centre, the marvellous garden and on-site parking. One or two additional rooms would not compromise the quality that we offer.”

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