A new medical centre has been unanimously voted through after residents raised concerns about noise and light pollution.

The facility is to be built to help cope with a massive housing expansion in the area.

The building – called Whitfield Medical Centre in Arable Drive and Field View Road in Whitfield, Dover – 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.

Cllr David Beaney told the Dover Distict Council planning committee meeting on Thursday: "I am really pleased to see this, it is going to be good for Whitfield."

Cllr David Hawkes added the proposals were a "welcome development".

The application is for a two-storey building with 57 parking spaces but residents feared excessive noise from car doors shutting and vehicle movements if the space is used for out of hours services.

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."

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

Up to 6,350 homes are planned in the Whitfield Urban Expansion and by last November, some 1,732 had been granted planning permission.

Six people had sent in letters of objection to the application from people fearing noise and light pollution for nearby homes and traffic hazards.

Objectors said they understood the centre was needed but said it should be in another part of Whitfield, for example the Honeywood industrial estate or off the A2.

There was also opposition to the "floodlit" car park amid fears it would be too bright.

Five people sent in letters of support, saying the medical centre was wanted because of the expected rise in population.

District planning officers had recommend approval of the scheme.

They said the centre would be principally for people in and around Whitfield itself, cycle parking was provided and it was within walking distance of bus services.