Developers have launched an appeal against the refusal of a controversial planning application in West Street.

Dover-based property developers and social landlords Foster and Payne is appealing against the decision which stopped plans to transform the former Adamson’s MOT test garage and car park into housing.

It was refused because the planning committee felt there would be unacceptable overlooking into the gardens of adjoining properties, and because of the scale and appearance of the houses.

The Mercury reported last week that at The Anchor Action Group (TAAG) meeting on Thursday, July 7, Rob Harley from Foster and Payne told campaigners that the number of homes would now be reduced from 20 to 15.

The re-designed project has been described as a “Georgian terrace” fronting West Street, attached to a group of terraced houses in Anchor Lane.

The new plan for the east side has been reduced to a single detached house.

Reducing the scale of the development also aims to make it more attractive to planners.

An appeal was submitted to Dover District Council on Tuesday, July 12, and could take several months before it is heard by a national government planning inspector.

During that time, Foster and Payne continues to work with the community in tackling issues of overshadowing the Sunnyside Cottages and problems with limited parking provision.

The developers claim the houses are for the retirement market who are more likely to use public transport over cars, which the campaigners have refuted.

The new designs has seen a positive response from the group, as campaigner James Tillitt said it would now be more in keeping with the other houses in the area.

The hoardings which were put up after the garage demolition has also caused a problem for people being able to see as they pull out of Anchor Lane.

Foster and Payne erected a mirror on Tuesday so that motorists could see but Mr Tillitt said it was positioned the wrong way and would be moved.

Foster and Payne has been contacted by the Mercury for a comment.