Fears over noise and light pollution from a proposed new medical centre have been raised - but some residents say it is "desperately needed".

The project in Whitfield, Dover, is set to be discussed by a district council planning committee this week.

It is hoped the centre, which would be located between Arable Drive and Field View Road, would help cope with the area's massive housing expansion.

But those against the plans fear the "floodlit" car park will be too bright and there will be noise issues because of vehicle movements, especially if it is used as an out-of-hours service.

Resident Robert Turner said in comments published on Dover District Council's (DDC) planning portal: "Noise and light pollution from the car park close to residential properties is a huge concern, especially if the premises is used for out of hours GP cover.

"I believe the plans could be resubmitted with further steps to protect local residents from a floodlit car park light pollution and patients banging car doors 24/7."

Debra Stapley agreed the centre was needed but said the location was wrong.

She argued that the nearby main Sandwich Road was already too busy, adding: "The increased amount of traffic leaving Field View Road onto a fast road would be extremely dangerous.

"Sandwich Road currently is 40mph: how do you expect residents as well visitors to exit safely onto a busy main road, which already has a blind exit?"

She also highlighted the number of vehicles trying to leave Sandwich Road for the Whitfield roundabout especially at peak time and this would add to the daily backlog.

"Once this is built not only will residents have issues getting out of Field View Road," she added. "But this will also add to the daily backlog of traffic trying to exit Whitfield near to McDonald's, which is already a joke."

She said it was best to have the centre at the Honeywood industrial estate or off the A2.

The planning application has been submitted by Assura Medical Properties Ltd of Warrington, Cheshire.

It is for a two-storey building with 57 parking spaces.

The building, simply called Whitfield Medical Centre, would be for about 15,000 patients and would include nine consulting rooms, two counselling rooms, two treatment rooms, a dispensary and multi-purpose rooms.

A statement to the council from architects Corstophine & Wright says that services normally provided within a hospital or other clinics could be given at the new centre, freeing up facilities for specialist procedures.

There is a project to create up to 6,350 homes in the Whitfield Urban Expansion and by last November, some 1,732 had been granted planning permission.

Katherine Parsons, one of five residents giving letters of support for the application, said: "Given the very quick expansion of Whitfield, I'd imagine this convenient medical centre will be a welcome addition to the neighbourhood."

Janet Thornton simply said: "Desperately needed in Whitfield."

District planning officers recommend that councillors vote for the scheme to be approved.

A report said: "The site is within walking distance of bus services and cycle parking would be provided on site which would reduce the need for patients to travel by car."

They added it would be principally for people nearby, in and around Whitfield itself.

The application will be debated at the DDC planning committee meeting from 6pm on Thursday at the council headquarters at the White Cliffs Business Park, Whitfield.