Plans to build between a town and village, which protesters say would close a green gap, can begin after finer details on the scheme were passed.

Dover District Council’s planning committee approved the designs for 48 homes and a 64-bedroom care home at Churchfield Farm at The Street in Sholden.

This was a reserved matters, or detailed, application after the original outline scheme, submitted in 2017, eventually got the green light after an appeal.

Six letters of objection were sent to the council for the new application, with some arguing green land needed to be kept and that the area was now a wildlife haven.

One objector, Martin Hewitt, said on Dover council’s planning portal that 230 homes had already been built nearby after another application was submitted in 2016.

He wrote: “The Dover District Council chief planner at the time stipulated the importance of retaining separation between Sholden and Deal.”

Yvonne Birchall said: “This is a wildlife sanctuary in an area that over the years has faced much development.

“It is now a haven for slow worms, and bats, both protected species, plus foxes, rabbits, butterflies and other such insects.

“I am sure you will say that this does not count in view of the march of development for human habitation. However, the trees alone are now very important as we face climate change.”

Sholden Parish Council was also against the application, saying the sit has re-wilded and should not be developed.

Council officers had recommended approval of the scheme, which was passed last week.

A report to councillors said: “The appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of the development are considered acceptable

“The development would cause no unacceptable impacts in respect of the character and appearance of the area, the living conditions of neighbours or future occupants or the local highway network.”

Highways England had also raised no objection to the development, from Greenlight Developments of Worcester.

A green belt of trees is to be provided for screening and a buffer between Deal and Sholden.Work to the junction of The Street with London Road down to Vicarage Lane will also be carried out.

It has also agreed to pay more than £340,000 to help towards education needs, libraries and fibre optic broadband.