The manager of Faversham Pools says they will have to completely change their safeguarding policy if a proposed development is given the go-ahead.

Dozens of parents, neighbouring residents and the Faversham Society have objected to plans for a large property in the garden of a home in South Road, which sits metres from the edge of the outdoor bathing area.

Roger Lake said: “Our safeguarding policy would have to be reviewed as the application would closely overlook the bathers.

“Faversham pools have operated for more than 50 years and during this time have provided so much pleasure for more than 200,000 visitors during the summer months.

“On our many busy days, the noise from the visitors to the pools can easily be heard by residents in the surrounding properties which are all around 500 metres away but this application is only 1.5 metres from our boundary wall.”

Parents have written objections from as far away as Ashford, as Faversham is the one of the only outdoor pools in the county.

Parent Daniel Waller, of Stone Street, Faversham, said: “The outdoor pools are one of Faversham’s major assets.

“People swim, dive and sunbathe, children paddle and play in the rapids, all in a garden setting with mature trees. It is one of our special places.

“However, this proposed development will be just 5ft from the outdoor pool area. It will be 25ft tall and 50ft long.

“It will dominate and overlook the pools, especially the picnic and sunbathing area. It will fundamentally alter the pools’ current setting and their public amenity.

“There is a big difference between my children being seen by other people who are also sunbathing and swimming to them being overlooked by private windows that are so close by.”

Another parent, Helen Carr, also of Stone Street, said: “As a mother with two children who regularly use the local pool, I am very concerned about this proposal to build an imposing house overlooking this public amenity enjoyed by so many.

“The pool has a sense of space and the view is of established trees and character properties. I hope the local councillors will fully represent the community views on this proposal.”

Faversham Town Council looked at the plans during their January 17 meeting and threw their support behind it, but they will now look again at the proposal after the significant increase in objections.

The next meeting is being held on Monday, February 8, and a final decision will be made by Swale Borough Council later this year.

The Faversham News contacted the applicants but they have decided not to comment at this time.