Reptiles are to be relocated in order to make way for a new 32 home development.

The homes in Dover have been given the green light for the second time despite residents’ concerns over “thriving wildlife” being harmed during construction.

The application, from Capel Groundworks Ltd, for Stanhope Road was brought back before planning councillors this month – three years after it was originally passed.

It came after common lizards, slow worms, and types of snakes were found on the land.

More than 100 residents commented on Dover District Council's (DDC) planning portal objecting to the second application.

Elizabeth Clark raised concerns about the land previously being cleared and the threat this posed to the animals living there.

“It was disgusting how the area had originally been cleared and decimated without any consideration to all the wildlife, it was then left to regenerate and wildlife returned only to be killed all over again,” she said.

“It is now once again a beautiful wildlife haven and the killing must not be allowed to happen again.

“Green spaces like this, in this day and age, are very important to the environment.”

Amy Biggs agreed the area is a wildlife hotspot.

“The area in question is also thriving with wildlife so this would mean destroying the habitats of many animals,” she said.

Chris Grimes added the development would have a “detrimental effect on wildlife” while Sarah Humphrey, who lives close to the land, says she often watches the animals there.

“I live in Danes Court where my property backs onto this lovely piece of land,” she says.

“It is a beautiful area of natural wildlife, including foxes, hedgehogs and many slow worms. I often sit and watch the sunset over this land which I will no longer be able to do sadly.”

The scheme was approved at this month’s planning committee, subject to the animals living at the site being moved safely to another location.

The scheme will see 32 homes built in total, 10 of which will be classified affordable.

A green space would also be included in the development alongside new vehicle and pedestrian access and associated parking.

The planner's report proposed a mitigation strategy which would see reptiles on the land relocated to Folkestone.

It was concluded during the meeting that the development would “continue to provide a valuable contribution to the district’s housing land supply and would deliver a policy complaint scheme”.

“These benefits should carry significant weight,” planners wrote in the final statement of their report.

“Notwithstanding the updated position regarding ecology and affordable housing (which are now acceptable, subject to a s106), the development would on balance be acceptable in other material respects, for the reasons set out in the previous committee report.”