Residents on an estate are fighting "desperate" plans to replace their disused communal hall with what has been described as a "large shed".

A planning application has been submitted for a new community hub in Aycliffe, Dover - but people living in the area say it will be too small.

Those behind the project however say it will be a "highly sustainable development".

But, more than 50 people have raised concerns over the proposal, which has been submitted to Dover District Council (DDC) from Seacoast Homes Ltd.

Resident Catherine Laws, commenting on the authority's planning portal, said: "(It's) a very small community hall to try to placate the locals, which looks to be the size of a large shed."

She said the previous building had been in almost constant use for parties, youth clubs and as a post office.

Mrs Laws added: "This community is often shut off from the rest of the town, leaving us with nothing and no way to get anywhere."

Thomas Clayton added: "The community hub is way too small. So I don't see this as a benefit whatsoever."

Seacoast Homes, of nearby Snargate Street, has put in an application for the community hub of 60 sq m.

On the same site, it has proposed a second building for single storey accommodation that would have six 18 sq m ensuite single bedrooms, adding up to 108 sq m.

It is is described as a short term children's respite care centre.

All this would mean demolishing the current and empty Aycliffe Church Centre, in Old Folkestone Road, which closed in February 2020.

The three car parking spaces on the 6.485 sq m site would be kept.

Of the 51 residents who have sent letters of objection to DDC, none have expressed support through the portal.

Householder Raymond Williams said: "I am very much against this development unless it's an out-and-out community centre for Aycliffe.

"It is desperate for one, for the young people of this estate who I believe should come first."

Katie Woodward wrote: "This site would be much better suited as a community centre for our youngsters to have clubs, social gatherings and events to bring our neighbourhood together."

Aycliffe, which is more physically isolated compared with other parts of Dover, has no common meeting place for its 500-plus residents except for a shop. It has had no pub for two decades.

It even lost its evening bus service last month.

An application statement by RTPI chartered town planners said: "A new community building is required along with a means to make this viable, deliverable and long-term sustainable.

"The proposals constitute highly sustainable development."

Dover Town Council supports the application as a community hall is needed.

A statement from the civic group the Dover Society said: "The scheme includes the creation of a community hall to the benefit of the local community.

"Alongside this will be accommodation for supervised short-term breaks for children in care."

But neighbours have also raised concerns about a lack of information about the respite centre.

Householder Gary Dodd said: "We do not know who the short term respite accommodation will be for.

"We at Aycliffe already have short-term accommodation flats so this will be the second one in close proximity of each other on the same road."

Mrs Law said: "There is very little to say if the child respite is for those with disability or illness, for example, or if they will be children up to 18 years of age."

Others fear the new accommodation will lead to traffic and parking problems, with regular movement in and out of the premises.