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Residents in Blackhouse Hill, Hythe, worried their views will be ‘ruined’ after eight new homes approved

Neighbours fear they will “lose their fabulous views” after plans for eight new houses were given the green light.

The four-bed detached properties – designed by one of Kent’s leading architects – will be built on land adjacent to Blackhouse Hill in Hythe.

CGI showing what the proposed development will look like. Picture: TG Designer Homes
CGI showing what the proposed development will look like. Picture: TG Designer Homes
The site where the homes will be built
The site where the homes will be built

The applicant says the development will be of “high quality” and ensure “a well-integrated and sensitive design approach”.

However, several residents have expressed their “deep concerns” over the plans – including construction noise disrupting them while they are working from home.

Ron Greenwood has lived in Blackhouse Hill, where the average property price is £570,000, for the past seven years and fears the view from his house will be spoilt once the new homes are built.

“Two of the houses are going to back onto mine and ruin my view,” he said.

“My main objection is the height of the buildings. I understand people are going to build houses but the height is going to impact my view considerably.

Ron Greenwood thinks his view will be 'ruined' once the homes are built
Ron Greenwood thinks his view will be 'ruined' once the homes are built

“I don't think the developers care about how this development will affect the houses surrounding it.”

The 73-year-old says if the “45-degree angle” of the roofs on the houses were lowered, it would have less of an impact on his view.

“I love living here and I very often sit and enjoy the scenery,” he added.

The houses have been designed by Holloway Architects – the firm behind several recognisable Kent buildings including Rocksalt and the multi-storey skate park F51 in Folkestone and Curious Brewery in Ashford.

The proposals were approved by Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) last week.

The view from Ron Greenwood's garden
The view from Ron Greenwood's garden
Graphic showing where the new homes will be built
Graphic showing where the new homes will be built

The new homes, which will start being built early next year, will be accessed via an existing access point located off Blackhouse Rise.

The single internal road will serve all dwellings, with private driveways or shared courtyards for parking.

However, Isobel Williams, who has lived in Blackhouse Rise since 1984, is concerned about the influx of traffic.

“This road is already so narrow and the junction leading out to the main road is so dangerous,” she explained.

“We are going to have construction vehicles coming in and out. It’s going to be a nightmare.”

Isobel Williams is concerned about how the 'already narrow road' will cope with the influx of traffic
Isobel Williams is concerned about how the 'already narrow road' will cope with the influx of traffic

The retired 76-year-old is also worried about how the road is going to cope with the new residents’ cars.

She added: “There is going to be a lot more vehicles coming in and out once people move into the new buildings.

“I don't know how the road is going to cope.

“It concerns me greatly. This isn't even taking into account the delivery vehicles, postmen and binmen.

“It is an accident waiting to happen.”

The access road for the homes will run through Blackhouse Rise
The access road for the homes will run through Blackhouse Rise

However, the planning application states that “unallocated visitor spaces and a van drop-off point” will be provided near the site entrance.

Furthermore, a turning head for refuse and emergency vehicles will be located at the centre of the site with designated bin collection points.

Another resident, Elizabeth Lawrance, has been left feeling angered by the environmental impact of the development.

Ms Lawrance, who has lived in Blackhouse Rise since 2017, says the land used the be full of “beautiful trees and ponds before developers removed them”.

“The environmental impact of this development is horrendous,” she said.

CGI showing what the proposed development will look like. Picture: TG Designer Homes
CGI showing what the proposed development will look like. Picture: TG Designer Homes

“The beautiful trees have all been chopped down on the land and the ponds have also been destroyed.

“God knows what has happened to all of the wildlife there.”

Ms Lawrance works from home and has been left feeling anxious about noise once the development gets underway.

“The light pollution is also going to be an issue. This is an area of outstanding natural beauty that is being destroyed,” she added.

“I think it is unnecessary considering all of the other housing developments going on in the area.

“I work from home and the noise when they are building the properties is going to be awful.”

Each of the eight homes will consist of four bedrooms and be fully detached.

Despite fears over the size of the development, the applicant – TG Designer Homes – states the scheme has been designed to “reflect and enhance” the local context and vernacular architecture through its scale, form and mass.

To the east of the site, behind a dense area of mature trees sits Sene Valley Golf Club.

A spokesperson for Holloway Architects said: “We are very pleased with the detailed planning approval for the site, which followed extensive engagement with the FHDC planners and consultation with the neighbours by our client TG Designer Homes.

“The ecology works have commenced on site and construction is due to start in February / March 2024.”

TG Designer Homes was approached for a comment.

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