Plans to demolish a dated complex and transform it into eight apartments above a shop and restaurant have been rubber-stamped - despite being branded a “recipe for disaster” by critics.

The site in St Anne’s Road, Tankerton, is currently home to Italian eatery Mucini and a charity shop run by the Strode Park Foundation, with three flats above.

But the buildings will now be bulldozed after plans for the new development were approved by Canterbury City Council last week.

Officers at the authority green-lit the proposals despite a number of concerns from neighbours and Tankerton ward councillor Neil Baker.

Even the council’s own contracts team, which manages the neighbouring St Annes tennis courts, also raised fears about the project.

Contracts manager Jackie Davies wrote to officers warning them of the potential impact the new apartment block would have on the sports facilities.

“The new proposed building is four storeys, which will overshadow the tennis courts,” she said.

“Due to its height it will block the sun, having a negative impact on the court surface.

“The courts will be shaded, increasing the formation of moss on the surface, which is very slippery and is a health and safety hazard and leads to higher maintenance costs for its treatment and removal.

“There is no provision for parking on-site which is a real concern as the on-street parking provision in the area is very limited. Being close to the shopping area in Tankerton and also the beach, there is a huge demand for parking.”

The lack of on-site parking is also a cause for concern for Cllr Baker, who urged the authority to think twice before approving the scheme.

“Allowing such a development with zero off-street parking provided is a recipe for disaster,” he said.

“On-street provision in that stretch of St Annes Road, between Tankerton Road and Marine Parade, is restricted during the day for one-hour, as it is on Tankerton Road to the east.

“Parking is unrestricted in Marine Parade, apart from areas with yellow line restrictions, but this is at absolute capacity for a large part of the year.”

Cllr Baker also questioned how delivery drivers will be able to park along the busy stretch should all the on-street spaces be occupied.

Despite the objections, the council ratified the application last week - paving the way for demolition work on the existing buildings to begin.

In their application, developers state how the area is “in need of a total renovation and modernisation”.

They say the design will blend in with the character of Tankerton, and residents on higher floors will enjoy views of the sea.

Council planning officers were unconcerned by the lack of parking provision, stating that the loss of the commercial tenant will free up on-street spaces for vehicles used by new residents.

In granting approval, they also stressed the “proposed development would not result in any overlooking or harm to the users of the tennis courts”.

No off-street parking is provided, but 16 cycle store spaces are included in the proposals.

Bosses at Mucini previously told the Gazette they will be looking to relocate.