Residents have hit out at a developer's third attempt to force through a bid to double the size of a housing estate.

Richborough Estates has submitted revised plans for the ‘second phase’ of a development on farmland off London road in Sholden, Deal.

Having already secured outline permission for 110 homes on one parcel of land, the developer has now reduced the number of houses planned for a neighbouring plot from 155 to 120.

However, the changes to the original application appear to have done little to appease opponents, who branded the new plans “totally unacceptable”.

Town resident Ann Herbert, who also wrote to oppose the original application, said the infrastructure in Deal was “already at breaking point”.

“This is agricultural land that we need for our future,” she said.

Michael Jowett added: “Even though this application has been reduced to 120 dwellings it is a totally unacceptable development and not needed.”

Another resident, named only as Mrs D Jowett, said: “Reducing the homes to 120 is still unacceptable and will still make a huge impact to the already overcrowded roads and infrastructure (dentists, doctors, schools, etc).

“No houses should be built on this quality arable land.”

The updated plans would see more space allocated for green land, with the edge of the development being pulled back by 60 metres to be in line with the first phase, with additional screening by tree belts.

A planning statement by Pinncale Planning, on behalf of the developers, said the scheme would “create an enhanced community for Sholden, supported by existing connectivity and transport routes, coupled with cross-site connectivity, linking spaces and places and integrating into the existing settlement”.

“Access to green space and play space ensure a pleasant environment for people to live whilst improving health and wellbeing for new and existing nearby residents. Promoting access to nature will encourage walking, jogging, cycling and other recreational activities,” it added.

However, as well as accumulating objections from the public, it has also already been opposed by Great Mongeham Parish Council and Deal Town Council.

KCC Highways and Sholden Parish Council, who both also opposed the previous application, are yet to respond publicly to the latest application.

The alterations come after a decision on the original application of 155 homes – branded “ludicrous” and “unacceptable” by opponents – was taken out of the hands of Dover District Council.

The authority has dragged its heels in making a ruling on the bid, submitted in May last year, allowing the developers to appeal to the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds of “non-determination”.

It means the government body will decide whether to approve the plans, with the council having less say in any contributions the developer must make to offset the impact on local infrastructure.

If given the green light, residents will see almost 300 homes built in the area, as permission has already been secured by a separate developer for 42 properties on another nearby site.