A planned development has been branded “bonkers” by angry neighbours - amid fears it will make an “accident blackspot” more dangerous.

Builders want to erect four homes in a back garden off Shottendane Road in Margate, with supporters of the scheme claiming it will be a “breath of fresh air” for the area.

But since the plans were revealed in September, 12 locals have stepped forward to oppose the project as they claim it is “an accident waiting to happen”.

Despite this, Thanet District Council chiefs have now given the scheme the go-ahead, after highways teams “raised no concerns about traffic generation from the development”.

Local authority officers noted: “There would be no adverse impact on road safety or parking from the site.

“Kent County Council’s highways team reviewed the application and raised no concerns about traffic generation from the development.

“They also confirmed there is sufficient space for two vehicles to pass in the access road and that visibility splays were acceptable.”

The officers also believe the homes would not have a detrimental impact on the “character or appearance of the surrounding area and countryside”.

Papers show each of the properties - which will be located behind a collection of cottages - will have four bedrooms.

Architect Daniel Bragg says a garage will be demolished as part of the transformation as it is in a “bad state”.

However, opponent Peter Smith believes the proposals are “bonkers”, while a fellow resident noted: “This part of Shottendane Road has been a road traffic accident blackspot for years.

“The building will only exacerbate what is already a big safety problem.”

Another critic says they are aware of at least five crashes along that route in the past five years.

Kay Beard, who has lived in the area since 1996, also stresses “very few cars adhere to the 30mph speed limit on that stretch”.

“With that and with cars parked either side of the proposed entrance to the new houses, there will be very poor visibility for cars to exit,” she stated.

“It is an accident waiting to happen.”

Despite the strong reaction, resident Gareth Johns thinks the plans are a “breath of fresh air” as the developer has not “assumed the only places to build on are agricultural land”.

Speaking to KentOnline, Mr Bragg added: “We have no immediate plans to start construction.

“Building work won’t start for a few months, probably a year.”