A couple have won a battle to build their “dream home” in one of Kent’s most sought-after locations - despite opposition from some neighbours.

Councillors granted permission for the new detached house in St Margaret’s Bay, near Dover, with stunning sea views across the English Channel.

The proposals were submitted by Perry and Leonie Mercer, who want the eye-catching cliffside property to have at least four bedrooms.

It will be built on the land they own in Bay Hill, where average house prices are £907,000, according to Rightmove.

The plans faced opposition from St Margaret’s Parish Council and some residents who fear it could pave the way for “more oppressive” new homes to be constructed.

Mr Mercer told a Dover District Council planning committee meeting on Thursday night: “We have owned the land for 38 years. When we sold our previous house in 1991 we retained ownership of the garden in the hope that one day we would be able to build our dream home.

“We have had 10 letters of support, many of whom have lived in the village for several years.”

Those backing the bid, in their submissions to Dover District Council, said it was sympathetic to the site, would be well screened, modest in size and scale and within a residential context.

They added that the design, appearance and impact would be acceptable.

There were nine letters of objection from people saying it was within the conservation area, the building was poorly designed and would be imposing.

They also feared harm to the area’s views, as well as a loss of trees, countryside, open space, landscaping and hedgerows.

Resident Cathy Spalding told the committee: “I fear that if this planning application is approved those could be the thin end of the wedge.

“It would make it difficult for the council to resist a larger and even more oppressive dwelling on this site or indeed to resist further dwellings on this site.”

A written submission by the parish council said: “We are concerned about harm to the landscape in the conservation area and therefore object to the application.”

The house will be a detached two- to three-storey property on three-quarters of an acre on a steep hill. The application is also for a garage, vehicular access and parking and turning area.

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Council officers recommended approval, concluding: “Detailed submissions have been made to address the sensitivities of the site and the concerns of officers and to demonstrate that the proposal could be appropriately located without causing undue harm to the public interest.”

The Mercers had commissioned reports from specialists such as arborists and experts on reptiles and badgers.

The officers’ report adds: “The submitted surveys and reports demonstrate that the proposal has and will take the ecological sensitivities on and around the site fully into account.”

Eight out of nine councillors voted in favour of the application.

Cllr Pam Brivio (Lab) said: “It is a very tasteful design.”

Cllr Susan Hill (Lab) commented: “Mr Mercer has consulted all manner of agencies to protect trees and wildlife. The applicant has striven to accommodate all manner of concerns.”

Cllr Nicholas Kenton (Con ) said: “The ecology has been dealt with, the conservation officers have no issue with it and the overlooking is not significant at all.”