Drivers will become “distracted” by three new “eyesore” digital billboards planned for a busy road, it is feared.

A proposal has been submitted to erect the LED advertising boards along York Street in Dover, in the car park of office block Maybrook House.

If approved, they would be 20ft wide and 10ft high in size, with the static images on the billboards changing once every 10 seconds.

But the planning application, submitted to Dover District Council (DDC), has attracted concerns from some residents, who fear they could become a distraction.

One has also claimed they will “destroy the integrity” of nearby museum, Roman Painted House, which reopened earlier this year.

Commenting on the planning portal, Paul Wells said: “The Roman Painted House is finally getting the attention it deserves then this application comes along to obscure the view to the public.

“It will also be an unnecessary eyesore and horrible for the people to look out of their flats opposite to illuminated and changing hoardings.”

Simon Lait added: “The application to site three large illuminated advertising signs in close proximity to an important heritage asset on a busy dual carriageway and in clear sight of a large residential complex would if approved, destroy the integrity of the Roman Painted House.

“It would also create further light pollution and present a distraction to motorists on a carriageway already blighted by inadequate speed restrictions.

“It is time for DDC to recognise the value of the assets it is charged to protect.”

However, within the planning documents, the applicant, Guy Goodyear, of Emerald Outdoor Limited, states that the static images would be “shown in rotation and would not contain any movement, animation or special effects”.

The proposed digital displays would face traffic travelling both directions along York Street.

Mr Goodyear describes the road as “well-lit” and says it “provides good forward visibility on each approach to the site, allowing drivers to glance at any advert in advance without being distracted from the road ahead”.

The display would be limited to 300 candelas/sqm – the unit of luminous intensity – at night in order to reduce the risk of glare or light pollution.

Mr Goodyear added: “We believe that this proposal has no adverse safety implication for the general public.

“Under these circumstances, such a familiar urban feature would not constitute a potentially hazardous distraction to anyone exercising a reasonable standard of care.

“Consequently, it is considered that the proposed display would not unduly distract highway users or give rise to safety issues.

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal

“We suggest that the displays could act as a type of ‘gateway’ to the town centre and seafront areas for visitors.

“The proposed displays could help in the aim of improving ‘connectivity’ between these areas and by helping to increase visitor numbers also increase town centre vibrancy.”

A decision is expected to be made on the application by DDC by end of December.