Protesters against plans for retirement flats in Ark Lane, Deal, claim a lack of parking could cause accidents and felling could impact remaining trees.

Neighbours to the Churchill Retirement Living complex, which will have 41 flats and 16 car parking spaces, are continuing their campaign against the development.

A number of trees will be felled from the entrance to the site, but Churchill says more will be planted in their place.

Susan Carlyle, of Ark Lane, said: “The impact on the surrounding neighbourhood, in particular the proposed felling of seven trees will change the aspects we enjoy of mature trees that screen the site and support considerable numbers of nesting birds.

“Last year several trees were quite unnecessarily removed by the last applicant.

“We have few trees in this neighbourhood and mature ones cannot be replaced.”

In a report by Kent County Council it disputes the ownership of the land and raises the question whether the developer would have permission to cut down the trees.

There is also a strong feeling regarding the lack of parking, with 16 spaces being made available, the fear is that this will increase street parking in a neighbourhood that is already under pressure.

Stuart Walker, of College Road, said accidents could happen. There is also no area set aside for staff and visitors to the site.

Mr Walker said: “The provision of 16 spaces for 41 units falls well below the council’s recommendations of one space per unit together with 0.2 spaces per unit for visitors. In terms of numbers this equates to a shortfall of 33 spaces.”

Churchill Living’s report justifies this lack of parking with residents no longer requiring cars because of their ages.

It states that with dropped kerbs and the provision of footways, residents would be encouraged to access a range of shops, services and public transport by foot.

Churchill Living Retirement planning director Andrew Burgess said: “While it is regrettable a small number of low quality trees will be removed, the site will be professionally landscaped and will include an increase in trees on site.

“The site will therefore be a significant environmental improvement over and above the current cleared site.”

He also reiterated points made about parking, siting its close location to the town centre and amenities.

Mr Burgess said people often move to these developments because of the central location and the fact that it can reduce their reliance on car ownership.