Plans for a new housing estate with a full size football pitch and sports club could transform the unused former South Deal Primary School playing field.

The 3.96ha plot off Freemens Way, tucked between Mill Hill and Telegraph Road, Deal, was sold by Kent County Council to Sunningdale House in 2007 on the condition it was used for housing.

Now the developers, who are also behind approved schemes in Walmer and Worth, are proposing 88 homes - 30% of which are affordable, an equipped play area, sports pitch and club house.

The properties would be a mix of two, three and four bedroom with 136 car parking spaces. An extra 29 spaces would be created for visitors and a further 25 for use by the sports club.

Deal Town Council has raised no objections but commented on the ‘very narrow’ proposed entrance which would remain in Freemens Way.

And residents have voiced fears over congestion and the increased number of cars. Some suggest a second access point should be created.

Gary Schermuly said: “Freemens Way is already single lane due to the on road parking. Why can’t the access via Mill Hill be incorporated?”

Joe Munday said: “Freemens Way and the roads in the surrounding area already suffer from heavy congestion. The local infrastructure needs to be developed first before even more homes are built.”

Troy Smissen said: “Freemens Way is an already congested due to parked cars on either side. By having the entrance here, congestion will increase along with the increased pollution of air for residents.

“The roads are already busy enough also without the increasing number of new homes being built.”

A full size senior football pitch and single storey club house building with changing facilities and toilets is also proposed.

Located in the south east corner of the site towards Telegraph Road, the pitch would have a 4G artificial surface and dimensions will comply with the Football Association Guide. There would also be flood lighting.

Cinque Ports FC had previously expressed its desire to take on a lease at the site, however chairman Steve Bowers would not comment at this stage.

Sunningdale says it will offer financial contributions towards the sports pitch and club house as well as education and library provision.

Mill Hill ward Dover district councillors Joseph Burman and Helen Williams will be at the Pentacostal Church Hall in Mill Hill from 7pm to 9pm on Friday, November 22 to hear resident’s views on the plans.

Ms Williams said: “There are pros and cons to any application but this is a particularly large one affecting a lot of people in Freemans Way and Mill Hill.

“It an opportunity to air your views. I will write them down and take them to the planning department.”

The site has been vacant and not used since 2006, when South Deal Primary amalgamated with Mongeham Primary to create Hornbeam Primary School.

View the application on DDC’s website by searching 19/00895