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Controversial plans to cram more flats onto the site of a derelict care home have been given the go-ahead.
Developer Perry Kang was given the green light to tear down the boarded-up shell of St Benedict’s residential home in St George’s Terrace, Herne Bay, and replace it with 12 homes.
But just a few weeks after the scheme was approved, the house-builder launched a fresh bid to squeeze two more apartments onto the seaside plot, which has attracted squatters and vandals in recent years.
The expanded scheme attracted five objections from concerned neighbours – but last week, Canterbury City Council officers waved it through.
In a newly published report, they reason: “The site is currently vacant and is falling into disrepair.
“The proposed modern design of the building is considered to be appropriate and to preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area.
“There would be no unacceptable overbearing, loss of light, overshadowing, overlooking or loss of privacy on the neighbours.”
The planners also noted that the proposals did not include any affordable housing.
City council policy requires developments of 11 or more homes to ensure at least 30% of their properties are affordable.
However, papers show an independent examiner appointed by the authority concluded that the project would not be viable if the flats were cheaper.
Some of those living near the old care home fear its 10 parking bays will not be enough.
And despite branding the rundown site a “scene of destruction over the past six years”, local Simon Dunne urged the council to snub the project.
“The applicant says his block of homes will enhance the terrace,” he said in a letter to the local authority.
“However, almost anything built on the site will enhance it – but is that a reason to allow a monstrosity of a block to be built?
“This is a major development and will have major consequences. The council need to be very careful at what they allow to be built here.”
St George’s Terrace resident Hubert Whyte also warned the new development would represent an “eyesore for the neighbourhood and visitors to Herne Bay”.
Documents written on Mr Kang’s behalf insist the development will be completed to a high standard.
They say: “The scheme provides a unique opportunity for 14 new well-built, fit-for-purpose dwellings to replace a poor-quality, out-of-place and large 25-bedroom care facility.”
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