A controversial plan to flatten a famous wrestler’s home to make way for new houses has again been refused.

Mont Blanc Developments had intended to demolish Ozengell Farmhouse in Ramsgate and build six properties in its place.

This is the third time the plan has been snubbed. It was initially rejected in 2019 and again in 2020 due to pedestrian safety down Haine Road, which currently has no footpath near the proposed site.

One councillor speaking at a Thanet District Council planning committee meeting yesterday said they wouldn't be able to live with themselves if the scheme was approved and an accident occurred.

The farmhouse had been home to wrestling hero, Jackie Pallo, until his death in 2008.

Pallo made his name as a British wrestling phenomenon, becoming Heavy Middleweight Champion in 1969.

The house was gutted in a fire in 2018 and has since become an eyesore.

Architect Tim Hare said: “The report accepts that the farmhouse is vacant, extensively fire damaged and is largely overgrown.

"I think members will agree that this proposal will represent a significant improvement to the visual amenities and appearance of the area.

“Members have the opportunity to consider the harm alleged in terms of pedestrian safety, which will not arise, as residents will not attempt to walk along Haine Road.

"They will instead have the opportunity to use the adjoining bridleway.

"The proposal had no public objections and I think residents want something to happen here."

However planning officers were quick to state that the same problems remained from the previous applications.

Planning officer Annabel Hemmings said: “Kent County Council have objected to the application - which is quite rare - and they are saying the site won’t provide safe access for pedestrians and cyclists.

“The applicant links the plan to the Manston Green development [saying] this will provide the missing pedestrian links and make the development safe.

“This application is essentially the same application that has come to us before."

The Manston Green development will eventually see 785 new homes built nearby and footpaths built along Haine Road.

“If there was to be an accident on that road then I could never live with myself afterwards..."

Planning officers clarified that while construction on the Manston Green development would start in October 2021 there is currently no completion date.

While councillors expressed a desire to do something with the derelict farmhouse, they were also unimpressed with road safety.

Cllr Steve Albon said: “Personally I’ve been in the old house many years ago when Mr Pallo used to own it and back in those days there wasn’t the amount of traffic that there is now.

“The issue of traffic there does worry me for anybody walking along there. I certainly wouldn’t walk along there. And I don’t think anyone else here would.

“The fact the site is an eyesore because people are fly-tipping isn’t a reason [to approve it]."

Cllr George Rusiecki also said: “If there was to be an accident on that road then I could never live with myself afterwards.

“The development itself looks great, but not with that road in the condition it’s in now."

The decision to reject the scheme was unanimous.

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