Residents say plans for new energy-efficient barn-style houses in a tiny hamlet are “totally unsuitable” and would be built along an “accident hotspot”.

The application is for a row of seven homes to be created in Hacklinge, near Deal, in place of an existing hand car wash business.

The brownfield site in Sandwich Road was previously a petrol station and is now home to Elite Wash Centre, which occupies the forecourt.

The proposal is to knock this down and create seven two-bedroomed houses with two parking spaces for each. There would also be secured bicycle storage.

Living accommodation would be upstairs with the ground floor used for garage and utility space.

The homes are designed to have a low carbon footprint, consuming up to 85% less energy.

The outline application to Dover District Council (DDC) is by Anthony Reid of Tilmanstone.

However, neighbours commenting on the plans raised fears over the extra traffic the development would bring.

In her objection, Jenny Holt said: “I fail to see how seven houses on a small piece of land will benefit anyone.

“It’s on an extremely dangerous road.”

Pam Steed added: “This is on a main road that is already an accident hotspot due to the speed of traffic.

“Building more houses at that spot will occur more traffic stopping to turn off into driveways and further increase the risk of accidents.

“This is a rural area that does not need any further development. There are already plenty of new houses being built not far away at Sholden which is far more appropriate as it's already in a traffic calmed area.”

In total seven objections have been submitted to DDC.

In his objection, Max Wood said: “Totally unsuitable for this location.

“This would be more than doubling the amount of houses between the pub and Hacklinge Hill.

“The site is a commercial property and should remain so as have other properties in the area.

“There are enough housing estates being built already between Deal and Sandwich. We do not need anymore.”

The planning and design statement submitted to DDC states: “The houses have a barn-like appearance which we believe will fit within the setting.

“It is considered that the total number of car movements will be substantially reduced by the development.

“The site is within easy walking and or cycling distance of local amenities.

“Post-pandemic many people have changed how they live, many simply do not want to live in a town.

“The way people shop and purchase their everyday groceries has also changed for many, buying everything online rather than driving to the shops.

“In addition, many now are able to work from home. There is, for this reason, less dependency on the use of travel by car.”

There is also a bus stop 250 metres away for services to Dover and Deal towns.

The Coach and Horses pub is 170 metres away and groceries can be bought from a farm shop with a café, 625 metres away from the site.

A decision is expected to be made by February 15.