Proof from developers of how the town will benefit from 70 extra houses was called for by a concerned Deal resident at a consultation on Monday.

Jane and Paul Langstaff, of Church Meadows, attended Persimmon Homes’ public consultation at Deal Town Hall to find out more about the proposed development of 70 homes at Timperley Place, Church Lane.

If given the go ahead, it will be in addition to the 230 houses for which developers have already been granted permission.

Having spoken to the design team for feedback Mrs Landstaff said: “We’ve had a few assurances, but the main issues seems to be communication.

“If these houses are coming, how is Deal going to benefit?

“We are concerned the developers are saying they will pay so much money into local services such as schools, but won’t tell us specifically what Deal is getting.

“All we see is our schools closing and our health services going to Dover.

“We want to know Deal is getting a nice youth centre, a new school, money for road improvements, something tangible.

“We need assurances.”

The homes could be built on land currently occupied by a Court Lodge Farm building and open agricultural land, with access via Hyton Drive.

The development would provide 27 two bedroom homes, 28 three bedrooms homes and 15 four bedroom homes – 30% of which would be a mix of affordable rented and shared ownership.

Trees and hedgerows would be retained where possible and replacement planting provided to ensure a green outlook.

Other residents to voice concerns include John Symonds, of Matthews Close, who said: “We’ve a chronic lack of off-street parking in Deal. It’s going to put more houses into an area that already has significant traffic problems.”

A Southwall Road resident, who didn’t want to be named, was concerned about flooding, saying: “A fortnight ago, the water was charging down Southwall Road like a river. The road is not made for it.”

A Persimmon Homes spokeswoman said: “Over 600 residents were invited to the exhibition. Representatives from Persimmon Homes and the team welcomed more than 50 residents.

“The feedback from those who attended was constructive and the concerns about flooding and highways will be fully addressed as part of a forthcoming planning application.

“Consultation is integral to our approach and we would welcome any further comments on the emerging proposal.”

Residents have until Monday, October 19, to submit their comments to the developer by emailing sara.sweeney@persimmonhomes.com