A planning application for two houses in Delf Street, Sandwich, has been called the most controversial in years.

The application for two semi-detached homes has caused fury among residents.

The plan for the garden of 13 Delf Street, formerly Barclays Bank, has been unanimously recommended for rejection by the town council.

The Flemish bond brick and corten steel panel design has been labelled too modern for the conservation area. Neighbouring cottage owners claim they will be overlooked and deprived of natural light.

John Hennessy, chairman of Sandwich Local History Society, said: “It’s the most ludicrous planning application I’ve seen since I came to the town eight years ago. I don’t think anything has caused this much fury, not even Waitrose.”

Cllr Jeffery Sneller, who was voted onto the council in the town’s recent by-election, suggested members recommended refusal for the application, at the latest full council meeting on Monday.

He listed its unsympathetic design for a conservation area, narrow and limited pathway, lack of car parking, that it would overlook nearby cottages and how it could set a precedent for others, as some of his reasons.

Cllr John Bragg seconded the motion, adding: “It doesn’t reflect the existing character of the area. I’m all for new designs but they’ve got to be out of the core of the town. The core is medieval and these houses are not medieval.”

The council’s reaction came as a delight to residents who had attended the meeting to hear the outcome.

Linton Culver, who leases the Empire cinema next door to the proposed development, was in attendance. He feels the houses would have an adverse effect on his business.

He said: “During the construction, the noise, dust and pollution would have an affect on us. It would be mayhem and chaos.”

Will Frampton, of Bridge Close, said: “I think its preposterous. They’re proposing to use corten steel on the roof, which is a material that rusts naturally.”

Blaise and Jenny Frampton, who live in St Margaret’s Cottage in Delf Street, have said they are “horrified”.

Mr Frampton said: “It would be monstrous and totally out of character with the surrounding area.

“Our small front garden, bedroom and bathroom will be deprived of much natural light. We would also be overlooked.

“The submission describes the site as derelict, but it is not.

"It is a beautiful garden in excellent condition with an ancient pond previously occupied by the Hospital of St John.

"The construction would undoubtedly destroy an area of rich archaeological value in our medieval town."

The plan was submitted last month by Nicholas Waite, the some of Malcolm Waite who owns the Ford dealership in the town.

Mr Waite has been approached for a comment.

To view the plans and comment on them, visit DDC's planning website and type in reference number 16/00412.