A London developer revived plans previously shunned by a planning inspector to overhaul a rare historic hut.

Lefa Property unveiled proposals to revamp a former telegraph cable cabin into a one-bedroom home at Dumpton Gap, Broadstairs.

The Planning Inspectorate previously threw out Lefa’s scheme on appeal, citing “significant adverse effects” on the environment, after Thanet District Council (TDC) rejected the bid.

But in recent official papers, the Sidcup housebuilder argues it has tackled the concerns to help preserve the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Special Protection Area, alongside its protected bat species.

Furthermore, the firm says the building, with its historic yellow diamond sign marked ‘Telegraph Cable’ outside, will be transformed into a “lovingly restored and beautifully small home”.

“A joyful light touch is the right approach for this building,” it states in planning documents submitted to TDC last month.

“It is in a prominent place where people will pass it every day.

“It should lift the spirits in a joyful, calm way.

“We have introduced some colours, including a yellow front door and white glazed bricks recessed 25mm back – both within the original dark brick openings.

“Contrasts which activate the facade and engage the eye.”

Changes to the original plans include information boards with graphics highlighting the building’s history and biodiversity improvements being included in documents referencing the number of bat and small bird boxes.

The 362 sq ft hut is set back more than 50 metres from the clifftop at Dumpton Gap – near the public toilets – and is described by Lefa Property as a “relatively rare survival”.

Lefa says it was one of the first buildings at Dumpton Gap, which was built at some point between 1851 and 1890.

The hut – which has recently been used for storage – was an early part of the cable network and housed the termination of telegraph cables which linked the south coast with Belgium.

It sits on the headland at Dumpton Gap, neighbouring the pedestrian footpath down to the beach.

TDC originally refused the original application in 2022 and an appeal was dismissed in June this year.

But the latest papers show the developer hopes to transform the site into a one-bedroom house, with a kitchen/living room and shower at ground floor level and a bedroom in a newly created mezzanine above.

“Internally there are no historical features,” the planning application added.

“This makes it unviable as a museum or historical destination.

“Internally the building is suitable for private use.

“The building does however have historical importance and the external appearance of the building and its legacy can be amplified.

“It needs to be extended to make any use viable and so a financial model is found which secures the long-term future of the building.”

More than 20 residents objected to the original plans and TDC refused the application in November 2022.

Residents had voiced fears the proposed home could be used as a holiday let and a planning officer branded it of “poor standard” due to its small size.

Lefa Property appealed against the decision to the Planning Inspectorate, which ruled in the local authority’s favour.

“The proposal provides an opportunity to better reveal the building’s historic significance,” the inspector wrote.

“Delivering a single housing unit would make a small but valuable contribution to housing supply.

“There would be short-term employment opportunities and economic activity through construction works, together with long-term economic and social benefits through the new resident household supporting businesses and services within the area.”

But the inspector concluded these benefits are outweighed by the “significant adverse effects” on the Thanet Coast and Sandwich Bay Special Protection Area and protected bat species.

In its new application, Lefa Property says a bat emergence survey was undertaken and biodiversity improvements to the site have been included referencing the number of bat and small bird boxes

“In a dwelling of this size, there would only be residential use for two people,” the application states.

“By its low occupancy and use, in line with its surrounding context, the impact of residential use on this small site is less than it would be for commercial use.

“There would still be a requirement for refuse collection and a shed in the garden but there would be no signage, external lighting, security cameras, large external storage, large waste bins and no increased traffic.”