Villagers fear 39 new homes will add more misery to their “torturous” road network - but stress they are not opposed to housebuilding.

Plans for the properties on two adjoining parcels of land in Shepherdswell have been approved by Dover District Council’s (DDC) planning committee.

A total of 130 letters of objection were sent in to the authority, with residents raising concerns over the impact on nature and their quality of life.

Councillors said the outline development will provide economic benefits, but John Bulaitis, chairman of Shepherdswell Parish Council, aired fears over the scheme when the planning committee met last Thursday.

“People in Shepherdswell are not opposed to housebuilding but this application is damaging to the character of our community and the surrounding countryside,” he said.

“It’s also poorly supported by surrounding infrastructure, particularly the torturous road network around the proposed development.”

The application, by Guildcrest Homes, of Folkestone, is for 39 two to three-bed detached and semi-detached bungalows in St Andrew's Gardens.

But objectors fear the project will see a loss of countryside as the land is currently used for horse grazing.

Ward councillor Charles Woodgate (Lab) said: “It would destroy the views and the green and pleasant land, which we should treasure.

“There are going to be lots more cars going in and out.

“There will also be pressure on the village primary school, which is one of the finest in Kent and is already oversubscribed.

“So for new families moving in, where are they going to send their children for school?”

Opponents are concerned about the narrowness of existing road access for emergency vehicles and fear that extra traffic will increase the risk of accidents.

But Andrea Risvold, project architect, told the meeting: “The bungalows will be in keeping with the surrounding context and minimise impact on surrounding dwellings.”

Planning agent Karen Banks, of Rebus Planning Solutions, said: “How often is it that you see developers bringing forward bungalow schemes with the potential to provide homes for older people, disabled people, smaller households and people on the housing register?”

Officers said 30% of the homes will be affordable and four will be suitable for wheelchair users.

A total of 83 car parking and 78 bicycle spaces will be provided.

Their report said: “There would be economic benefits provided by the development at construction stage and when built, by providing new homes which in turn would provide support for village services.”

They added that the application had been amended for allowing proper access for emergency service vehicles.

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The plans were approved by eight votes to two.