Disillusioned residents are being forced out of Whitstable by a growing number of holiday lets in the town, a councillor claims.

Labour’s Val Kenny hit out as plans to convert Goldfinch Galleries in Sea Wall into four shops and two rental properties for tourists were given the green light.

She opposed the proposals - submitted by Whitstable Oyster Fishery Company (WOFC) - arguing a proliferation of holiday homes has prompted locals to move elsewhere.

“My heart did sink when I saw the application,” she told the city council’s planning committee.

“Just in the last year alone, a number of private residents have vacated this area or been forced out because nearly every building is a short-term holiday letting.

“To my mind, this impacts phenomenally on the residents who are left behind.”

The building - currently home to Kent Cycle Hire - would be replaced with shops on the ground floor and accommodation above.

Four objections to the plans were received from neighbours, citing concerns about the formation of more holiday rental properties, added congestion created by shoppers, and a rise in construction traffic.

As part of the bid, WOFC will also install three loos - with one suitable for disabled users - to the rear of the building.

Seasalter councillor Ashley Clark hopes the creation of the facilities will prevent visitors to the town from being caught short on the beach.

“One thing I’m aware of is the lack of toilets in this area has resulted in reports of the most unpleasant behaviour in the vicinity,” the Conservative said during the meeting.

“The addition of licensed toilets within the vicinity is most welcome.

"I can see no compelling reason whatsoever to refuse this.”

Canterbury City Council officers confirmed that the toilets could be used by visitors to the new shops or by customers at The Forge, nearby, which is also run by WOFC.

The company has appealed the authority’s decision to snub its bid to create a new seating area for 120 people at the eatery, which also stocks beverages.

Gorrell councillor George Caffery noted during the meeting that the loos, which will have outside access, “will not be sufficient” to cater for visitors to The Forge, if its appeal is upheld.

But Matt Reed, the application’s planning agent, argued that the scheme “simply seeks to breathe a new lease of life into this landmark building”.

'Both will provide employment at a time when they are needed more than ever...'

Ten councillors voted in favour of the proposals, while two opposed the project.

An Oyster Company spokesman said this week: “The holiday lets will provide more high-quality accommodation that encourages tourists to the town.

“The small retail units will be let on short-term leases to individuals who can show that they can enhance the area.

“Both will provide employment at a time when they are needed more than ever.”

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