Villagers have expressed their dismay over plans for eight new houses in a picturesque rural setting – describing it as an “obtrusive urban development”.

Residents also fear building the homes in an “accident hotspot” in Alkham, near Dover, will increase the risk of a serious crash.

However, one long-term villager is backing the scheme in the hope more houses will help the local pub survive - as well as ensure the bus service isn’t lost.

Five three-beds and three four-beds are proposed to be built on land in Short Lane currently used as a grazing field for horses. There would also be 18 parking spaces for cars.

The proposals have been met with 16 objections from villagers, as well as the parish council.

Resident Georgina Wald writes: “When it rains, the stream at the bottom of Short Lane floods and spreads right through the fields where the houses are to be built.

“We are repeatedly told that we cannot have traffic calming measures in Alkham - and yet the exit from Short Lane onto Valley Road is one of the most dangerous parts.”

Mrs Wald says more cars in the area will add a “disproportionate increase to the risk of a very serious accident” occurring at the top of Short Lane.

Another resident, Lyn Richards, argues the development would detrimentally impact the area of outstanding natural beauty.

“[It] is a peaceful, rural village that should remain so and not be any more highly populated,” she writes.

Villager Trevor Johns says the junction onto Alkham’s Vally Road from Short Lane is already an “accident hotspot” and fears the new homes would increase the chances of a crash.

“The road's exit is frequently blind due to visibility splays and high speed of traffic. Additional vehicles from this proposed development would exacerbate an already serious problem,” he said.

Alkham Parish Council has also objected to the plans.

Council bosses write: “The proposed development would result in an obtrusive urban form of development in the open countryside, beyond the settlement confines, which would detract from the unspoiled rural character of the area and the setting of the village of Alkham and the character and appearance of the area of outstanding natural beauty within which the site lies.”

Despite the backlash, the application has also received 11 supporting comments.

Melven Kirby says: “Alkham needs to grow to keep its bus service and public house. l cannot think of anywhere else in the village more suitable to build houses having been born in the village 70+ years ago. l fully support this application.”

Connor McBride, who has lived in Dover for his whole life, also supports the plans.

“For the last few years I have been looking to live in one of the local villages, but houses do not come on the market very often, especially new ones,” he said.

“I think it would be a fantastic opportunity for families, old and new, to experience living in an area of outstanding natural beauty.”

The design and access statement, put together by AX Architecture, states the possible flooding issue has been addressed.

Developers have also said parking will be allocated to dwellings through the use of on plot/curtilage parking. A number of visitor on-street parking spaces have also been planned into the highway design.

It adds: “The new houses would not result in significant harm to or the loss of public or private land that contributes positively to the local character of the area (including residential gardens).”

A decision date for the application is not known.