Controversial plans to demolish a 20th century fisherman’s cottage and build a new home have been thrown out.

A scheme to rebuild a derelict house on Dungeness beach, deemed to be unsuitable for modern living standards, were dashed last week, after residents argued the structure contributes to the area’s unique value.

An application to demolish the building, named East View, and rebuild an accessible two to three-bedroom house split into two parts, was first made in February 2021.

The applicant argued the building was in a state of disrepair, with planning documents submitted by Michael Schranz Design & Architecture.

The application said: “The facade is clad with asbestos cement boards and timber battens, and appears to be extremely deteriorated due to exposure to the elements.

“The interiors of the building appear to be in heavy disrepair and are not currently habitable.”

However, the new proposals sparked fury among neighbours and residents on Romney Marsh, attracting 125 comments – all of which were objections.

Among the many reservations were concerns over the scale and design of the new building, with many also calling for the preservation of the original cottage – one of just three or four constructed of the same design in Dungeness.

Commenting on the application, Kylie Brown described the cottage as being “part of what makes Dungeness unique”, and forms a line with the other cottages.

“As one of a series of original fisherman's houses, it forms a line – the proposed new build will not,” she added.

“It also has its unique pitched roof, in keeping with the other cottages in the line – the proposed new build will not.

“By turning yet another house into a modern box, it is taking away the essence of Dungeness and turning it into a holiday resort full of holiday homes.

“Other houses, such as neighbouring Delhi Cottage, have been sympathetically restored, maintaining the original look of the cottages and how they all relate to each other.”

The news of the project being turned down was met with joy from residents in a neighbourhood Facebook group discussing the planning officer’s decision.

East View is just three houses down from Prospect Cottage, a cultural landmark which belonged to artist, filmmaker and LGBT icon Derek Jarman.

The restored hut was preserved and saved from being sold off privately following a £3.6 million fundraising effort spearheaded by campaigners including award-winning costume designer Sandy Powell and Doctor Strange star Tilda Swinton.

Resident Paul Copson said: “It’s becoming an increasingly tedious battle to preserve these much loved and simple fisherman’s cottages which form and make up the essential character of what Dungeness is and always was.

“Obviously East View needs renovation but I can’t see why this can’t be done in a more sensitive way. East View is one of three cottages of similar design built at the turn of the century by “Jerry” Bates who was my great-grandfather.

“One of those cottages has been beautifully restored keeping its simple architectural design and is entirely recognisable as the cottage it’s always been.

“It’s always a delight to see what can be achieved with a bit of thought and sensitivity in creating a home that preserves the original design of these cottages. I cannot for the life of me see why this cannot be done with East View.”

In a letter detailing the refusal, the council’s chief planning officer said the proposal “would result in a development that would be out of keeping with the special character, appearance and visual amenity of the conservation area... by virtue of its orientation, location, position, siting, size, scale, design, material and mass.”