Permission has been granted to build a holiday park at a former rugby club’s campsite.

Site owner Clerkenwell House Ltd submitted an application in July last year to Shepway District Council (SDC) to change the use of the land in Dymchurch Road, St Mary’s Bay, which has been derelict for nearly a decade.

The land was bought in February last year from the Rugby Portobello Trust which used to run the site as a holiday camp for youngsters from deprived areas in London.

The proposals will see partial demolition of the existing holiday accommodation, erection of new buildings, a replacement swimming pool and camping area.

A new access will be created to the site, along with 20 car parking spaces.

The council’s planning department passed the plans on Thursday last week (May 4).

Timber framed cabins will be “dispersed” across the site in a similar layout to how the buildings are currently positioned.

Old structures which have been left abandoned since the campsite was closed in 2009 will be demolished and will make way for the new design cabins.

An existing public right of way that runs through the site and onto the seafront will remain, the design statement clarified.

Residents submitted their comments to the council’s planning portal, with a majority voicing concerns over the proposals.

Aaron Weston said: “The planned welcome area and potential bar would be just across the road from where we live.

“We are working people and the noise pollution level would be unacceptable.”

Karen Wheeler added: “All the present holiday parks are very popular.

“I think a new park – a little bit more up market would be an asset for the area.

“Let Shepway become a serious destination in the staycation market.”

A report submitted to the council said: “The aim of the landscape design is to alter as little as possible within the site and to retain its natural state.

“It is proposed to replace outdated holiday accommodation at the former Rugby Clubs Campsite with a modern facility that will meet a variety of visitor needs while responding appropriately to the site and its coastal setting.”