Revised plans to build 32 homes at vacant land in Stanhope Road, Dover have prompted more than 20 new objections since amendments were submitted last week.

Applicant Capel Groundworks' scheme includes 10 homes for affordable rent, parking for 71 vehicles and the formation of new vehicle and pedestrian accesses.

The plans were submitted to Dover District Council by the company's agent DHA Planning last August and revisions, which went in on May 14, have prompted comments of "no change" from some residents.

New objections cite a raft of reasons for the project to be refused, including the effect on wildlife and the loss of use of the land.

They also predict overlooking on to some properties, a loss of parking spaces and the burden and safety risks from increased traffic on Stanhope Road.

Ryan Grimes said "nothing has changed" in the amended proposal and noted that the habitat of many creatures would be destroyed and the green space would be replaced with "nothing more than a manicured roundabout."

An ecological survey says the entire site has been cleared down to bare earth and is regularly treated to prevent vegetation regrowth so it is therefore not suitable habitat for breeding birds, doormice, badgers, reptiles, great crested newt or bats.

But resident Kathy Howell said: "I am extremely distressed at the way in which the site was cleared and the effect that this has had on the wildlife in this area. It used to be wonderful to see foxes, bats and sparrow hawks, to name a few but all these species have now disappeared. I imagine that the effect on smaller, less visible, animals has also been significant. The timing of the ecology report is highly questionable, as it seems to have been undertaken after the site was so ruthlessly cleared."

Statutory consultee Natural England recommended DDC consult its county ecologist to determine whether individual species surveys should be completed and when. The body said permission can be refused if the council doesn't have enough information on how the development will affect particular species.

Statutory consultees Kent Fire and Rescue say the access has met the authority's requirements, the Environment Agency consider the application is low risk, Dover Town Council supports the application, subject to the provision of electric vehicle charging points and a resolution to the issues raised by County Highways.

Kent highways objects until conditions are resolved including formalisation of passing arrangements. The department says parking restrictions would result in five spaces being lost and it is recommended these could be replaced within the new development.

The body also wants clarification over plans for a footway and it says a speed restraint measure is required at the site entrance and visibility splays are also needed.

Rachel Collins, DDC's housing development manager said: "There is a need and demand for all types of affordable housing across the district, and this application provides 10 units of family housing for affordable rent.

"Our usual requirement is for 30% of the affordable housing to be for shared ownership, which on this site would be three of the two bedroom houses. However, there is a high need and demand for affordable rented houses in this location, and I would support a deviation from the usual requirement for shared ownership in this case."

The plans will be discussed by the planning committee at a future meeting and can be viewed at dover.gov.uk ref: 19/01025.

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