Residents say they fear damage to roads if an “out of character” development gets the go-ahead in Studd Hill.

Proposals have been put forward to build a three-storey block of flats in Morris Avenue, a move which would see the demolition of the existing Herne House.

But neighbours are concerned and have branded the developer behind the project “ridiculous” after discovering its name is Impressive Erections.

The Studd Hill Residents’ Association says it has accepted planning permission will, in all likelihood, be granted, but is displeased that its estate will be associated with a firm which has such a name.

Tony Clark, the secretary of the association, said: “We thought it was a joke at first; the name is ridiculous.

“We all understand the development has to go on, but the name of the company who is building it is taking the mickey.”

Mr Clark is also concerned the development will harm the roads in the estate.

The private roads have weight restrictions, which the residents’ association fears will be exceeded by the vehicles travelling to and from the development when building begins.

“A lot of these companies don’t adhere to the weight restrictions on our roads,” Mr Clark said, “and so we’d like for them to repair the roads if they do any damage to them.”

Mr Clark says the 10 two-bed flats will not be in keeping with the area.

He added he believed an agreement was in place to ensure only bungalows would be build in Studd Hill.

But the architects working on the plans say the development will work.

Designer of the project Nick Baldry, of Peter Jackson Architects, says the existing Herne House is “out of character with the rest of the area” and that his designs will “freshen it up”.

He explained: “It’s rather tired and a big house where there are lots of small houses surrounding it.

“We’re looking to freshen it up with something that seems suitable for the area.

“We have gone through a process of discussion with the planning department of Canterbury City Council during the course of developing the design and the proposal, as it stands, is a consequence of that.”

Should the planning permission be granted, Mr Baldry expects building to begin towards the end of summer and to take about a year.

The residents’ association is hosting a meeting with the developers, Peter Jackson Architects and local councillors about the development today (Thursday) at the Studd Hill Community Hall.

A representative of Impressive Erections was unavailable for comment.