A row between protesters and developers over a once controversial new homes scheme has now ended.

Residents strongly opposed plans to build 20 flats and maisonettes at the former Adamsons MoT garage in West Street, Deal, saying there were too many, the buildings were too high and the design was wrong.

But now the developers have since provided an olive branch by drastically redrawing the plans.

It means the pressure group TAAG (The Anchor Action Group) will not oppose a revised planning application by Foster & Payne of Deal.

TAAG co-chairman James Tillitt said: “This has been going on for a year and a half but we will now withdraw our opposition.

“The developers need to be given credit for listening to residents’ concerns.

“At first there were too many homes, the buildings were too high and the design of the blocks made them look like a prison.

“All we need from them is to tarmac the whole of Anchor Lane (alongside the development site), which I am sure they will do.”

Foster & Payne had originally planned to build 20 flats and maisonettes, 17 on the site of the former Adamson’s garage in West Street and the rest across the road on the garage’s overspill parking area.

That scheme has since been withdrawn and the new plan is for a total 14 flats and maisonettes, 12 on the main site and two across the road. TAAG had been launched specially to oppose the original scheme.

One concern was that resulting extra cars from the development would reduce on-street parking for existing homes.

A recent TAAG meeting at the Astor Theatre heard a number of changes to the application that made it more acceptable.

For example, the overall height of the proposed terrace block is reduced and the new design is seen as more in keeping with the area.

With the Anchor Lane access, TAAG has welcomed the allowance of more width at the pinch-point opposite Sunnyside Cottage.

At the meeting Paul Vicary, from Foster & Payne’s consultants Development Communications, said he hoped the new scheme would be accepted. He drew attention to the increased set-back distance from the West Street kerbline and the intention to improve drainage at Anchor Lane, such as covering the Sunnyside gully with a grille.

Foster & Payne intends to soon submit a new planning application.

Rob Harley, director at Foster & Payne, said: “We have listened and worked hard to evolve proposals for this site in collaboration with the local community.

“We are now keen to move forward and will shortly be submitting a planning application to Dover District Council for consideration.”