Frustrated residents have hit out at proposals to overhaul an old garage into flats – claiming fresh designs “look like a prison”.

Some 90 objection letters have been lodged with Dover District Council (DDC) since plans to transform River Garage near Dover surfaced, with none coming out in support.

Atlanta Trust hopes to build six flats across three floors on the site in River Street, River, with new artist impressions attracting a fierce public backlash.

Posting on the River Village Community Facebook page, one user wrote: “It looks like a prison. It’s hardly in keeping. Is it the magistrates’ court from the end of Pencester that is being relocated?”

Referring to the number of objections already received on DDC’s planning portal, another added: “It is unsurprising given it is a hideous eyesore.”

“Have we got a new doctor surgery coming to River? Because it looks like one,” another user added.

But agents West Green Planning argues on DDC’s planning portal the premises should be converted into flats and are “not in a fit state for occupancy without substantial investment”.

In a statement which appeared on DDC’s website on April 3, the London-based firm said: “An assessment has demonstrated the site to be in a sustainable location within an existing residential area and to be suitable for development for residential use.

“The premises are not in a fit state for occupancy without substantial investment.

“The range of commercial uses of the site would be limited due to the potential for noise disturbance and traffic generation.”

But at the time of writing 91 objection letters have taken aim at the proposals yet to go before the district council’s planning chiefs.

Alexandra Cooper said: “Totally inappropriate for the area. Access for additional cars will be an issue and also the impact on local wildlife.”

Katy Cordani said: “The size and style of this proposed build is not in keeping with the village and is far too large for the area. River Street is already a very busy road for parking and additional vehicles and traffic will only cause more congestion in the village.”

When KentOnline spoke to neighbours no immediate objections were raised, with some saying the old building was unsightly and should be replaced.

Mark Griffiths believes there is space for the development as the land stretches several yards back to the River Dour and village hall.

He said: “I don’t think it will make much difference to us. Something has to happen to that building anyway. I don’t think it’s been used for some time.”

Another neighbour went on: “That present building is an eyesore and I will be glad to see the back of it. It doesn’t look very healthy.

“But I would like to study the planning application before I comment on what replaces it.”

Another person living close by added: “It’s not very pretty and I am glad that it might be replaced.

“People use that front driveway to drop off their children at the local school.”

Atlanta has made an initial application to create the apartment block on three floors.

One and two bedroomed flats are expected and they would be on 0.07 hectares (0.17 acres) of land.

A spokesperson for West Green Planning told KentOnline the current proposals are a permission in principle application, rather than a detailed one.

This only seeks to deal with the principle of redeveloping the site for residential use. It is in particular to agree the location, land use and potential amount of development.

The spokesman added: “The directors of Atlanta Trust Ltd have resided in the village for over 40 years and are sensitive to the needs of the area and to local opinion.

“In this instance, it was considered that it would be helpful to officers for us to provide some massing images and indicative layouts to demonstrate our professional advice that up to six units could be accommodated on the site.

“These layouts are based on an initial scheme presented to officers at pre-application stage.

“The council is not being asked to assess the design, height, massing, or any of the technical matters at this stage. Nevertheless, the comments provided by planning officers and residents to date will help to inform a more detailed application once the principle of development has been established.”

River Garage opened in October 1938 and was used to both repair and sell motor vehicles.

A newspaper advert from 1939 shows a Panther 350cc motorcycle on sale for £20.

One from 1950 advertised an overhauled Morris 8 for £190.

The building had become an artist's studio in May 2012, River Garage Studio, but has been disused over the last year.

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