Dozens of objections to an ‘ugly’ bungalow development at a clifftop beauty spot have been pouring in to district planners with demands it be refused.

The controversial proposals involve six new homes being built next to the Coastguard Cottages in Pegwell, at the start of a public footpath which is part of the England Coastal Path.

The picturesque route is also part of the popular Contra Trail, running from Ramsgate to Pegwell Bay, used by ramblers and nature lovers.

In planning documents, submitted to Thanet District Council by applicant Christian Coppock, a new access route from Pegwell Road, near Silverdale Road, is also outlined as well as a suggested widening of Coastguard’s Lane to allow lorries to turn.

Critics say it will destroy the beginning of the trail and is also dangerous due to the falling cliff edge and erosion.

The Pegwell and District Association, a member of Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), says the setting will be ruined if a bungalow estate at the start of the footpath is granted.

“The planned scheme is totally incompatible with the rural nature of Pegwell village and its clifftop setting – a designated conservation area,” said chairman Richard Kinzler in a statement to the council.

“The application seeks to widen the public footpath to create access to the proposed development.

“This is wholly inappropriate for this popular track that forms part of the England Coast Path and the Contra Trail, which is extremely popular with local people, walkers and visitors alike.”

He also points out the threat to ancient hedgerow and says the development would result in the loss of high-quality agricultural land.

“The proposed development abuts the Thanet Coast Special Area of Conservation and is unacceptably close to Sandwich and Pegwell Bay National Nature Reserve – Kent’s largest – and the Thanet Coast Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI),” Mr Kinzler added.

A conservation officer at Thanet council also objects, raising concerns about the impact and highlighting the lack of detail in the plans.

“The land north of Coastguard Cottages is cited adjacent to the nearby Pegwell Conservation Area and is therefore considered to possibly impact the surrounding environment’s character and appearance through its general presence and the approach to and from the surrounding historic environment,” they said.

“My initial comments may only be that a proposal of this scale would be of detriment to the adjacent conservation area despite being set down as they, by nature of their large footprint, are a large addition to an area that exists as open green space which would be lost through this development.”

Other objectors cite concerns over the impact on ecology, the strain on local services, risks to pedestrians and the design of the ‘ugly’ development, which many argue is out of keeping with the area.

But the developer says the buildings would be ‘in harmony’.

“We feel this would make a sympathetic development to enhance and preserve and further the development of Pegwell Bay,” he said.

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