A development on a “heavily contaminated” abandoned gasworks that opponents fear will cause “traffic mayhem” in a village has been approved.

The homes will be built on a British Gas site in Northdown Road, Broadstairs, which has been left empty for 30 years.

But residents have called the plans “utter madness” and are concerned about potential traffic issues for the 65 new properties.

Neighbours John and Helen Williams said: “The proposed development would lead to a complete traffic bottleneck along Northdown Road and surrounding roads.

“It will lead to traffic mayhem.

“Putting an additional 200-plus car journeys through this infrastructure would be utter madness.”

The couple also claim that building such a large development in “the heart of St Peter’s village” would make it “one big housing estate”.

They fear nearby doctors and schools “will not cope” with the extra houses.

Furthermore, they add: “This will destroy what is a small and functional village with its own identity and rural character.”

Another resident who objected to the plans was Deborah Mead, who says: “Traffic congestion is currently extreme.

“I live in Northdown Road and have done so for some 16 years.

“To get my car off the drive is a normal 20-minute wait - my driveway is constantly blocked by traffic.

“Also, the impact on schools and doctors will be huge - we are already overloaded and overstretched and getting a doctor's appointment is around a 10-day wait.”

The Broadstairs Society has raised concerns over the environmental impact of the building work, saying: “The Society understands the need to develop brownfield sites, but this area of proposed development is a maturing wildlife habitat of significance in an area largely sterile of such assets.

“Most notably we object due to issues with the erosion of the Green Wedge.”

Planning documents state the proposed site is “heavily contaminated”, but developers promise to cover the “costly remediation” of the land to build “family homes”.

Architects Colwyn Foulkes say: “The proposal provides an opportunity to improve the appearance of the former gas holder site.

“It will also remove uncertainty about the future of the former gas holder site, which could be redeveloped for external storage and for general industrial use - a noisy, heavy and polluting industry.

“It is also an opportunity to incorporate community benefits such as ecological, open space and improved access for local people.”

The homes will include 12 four-bed houses, 28 three-bed, 15 two-bed, and 10 flats.

Developers say 20 of the properties will be available via affordable homes schemes, and an eco-pond and play area are included in the plans.