Divisive plans for 44 new village homes have been approved despite fears it will result in “disaster” for local roads.

In total, 152 residents sent letters of objection to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) over the bid for the housing scheme on land off Canterbury Road, Densole.

As well as concerns over increase in traffic, fears about noise, pollution, impact on wildlife, and loss of open space were raised by neighbours.

The planning application was discussed by members of FHDC at their latest planning and licensing committee.

Resident Anita Coward told the meeting: “This is an unpopular development as this builds at the heart of our village.

“This development, due to its location, will completely alter the rural quality of the area.

“The entrance is shown as being on Coach Road. With the existing four-way junction layout from Coach Road onto Canterbury Road and the increase of traffic onto Coach Road this will become disastrous for new and existing residents alike.”

The application came from a Mr M Chaponell and the agent is Broomfields Chartered Town Planners of Hythe.

Ben Young, from the agents, said at the meeting: “Highway works will include a Canterbury Road pedestrian refuge and road widening.

“Kent Highways department raised no objections in terms of highway safety and asked for no reduction in the speed limit.”

The outline application is for 2.85 hectares of former farmland. Six of the 44 homes would be self-build and 13 of the total would be affordable.

The homes would be one to four bedroom. Public open space and allotments are also included in the plans.

There would be 92 car parking spaces and electric car charging points for each home.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsbee (Con) supported the plans at the meeting, adding: “We can be very concerned about highway safety, but if Kent Highways say that they're satisfied, then it's very difficult to go against that view.”

Council officers in their report said the scheme would be a valuable contribution towards the authority’s housing supply and provide much-needed affordable housing.

They said the layout, design and appearance of the development was acceptable.

They added it would provide off-site highway improvements and the impact on the road network would not be severe. They did not believe the development would harm highway safety.

It was approved with six votes for, and two abstentions.