Self-build houses rivalling properties in “the nicer parts” of Seasalter and Tankerton could be built on farmland in Whitstable.

A 90-home development on a site between Golden Hill and the Old Thanet Way has already been earmarked for inclusion in Canterbury City Council’s draft Local Plan.

And now an outline application has been submitted to split up and sell off part of the land to people keen to build their own houses.

Nick Baldry, of PJ Architecture - the designers behind the proposal - told KentOnline the landowner wants to see eight homes developed to rival those in nearby seaside locations.

“His aim is to create a nice place to live, as opposed to the typical developer estate,” he said.

“He’s keen to have a genuine high-quality development that recognises people’s desire to build their own houses and to have somewhere they can enjoy living in.

“He wants to develop it and turn it into something that has more the feel of the nicer parts of Tankerton or Seasalter.

“We want to encourage all different designs, different characters, creating a place that can be where people choose to live for a long time rather than seeing it as a stepping stone.”

According to Zoopla, homes in Tankerton are worth an average of £440,000, while in Seasalter this figure is £560,000.

It is not yet clear how much each plot of land would cost, but with their size varying between 100 square metres and 350 square metres, there is an expectation the value of each section will vary significantly.

There will be certain conditions attached to any construction, including one restricting homes to no higher than two storeys, and another stipulating that all properties must be individually designed by a qualified designer.

When asked what sort of houses could be built, Mr Baldry noted a wide range of options would be available to buyers.

“The aim is to have a development that is mixed in terms of who will be here and what the houses could look like,” began the architect.

“The plot sizes over the whole development will vary quite a lot. It is possible that people could come together to build a terrace of houses; there are a lot of options.

“He wants to develop it and turn it into something that has more the feel of the nicer parts of Tankerton or Seasalter...”

“They should prove to be relatively affordable to people who want to build their own houses but aren’t rolling around in cash or are millionaires.”

The overall section of land is owned by four different parties, but the area dedicated to the self-build plots is owned by a single landowner.

The site as a whole is also being considered for inclusion in the city council’s new draft Local Plan, with planners suggesting it could host a 90-home estate.

But Mr Baldry says current infrastructure only allows for the eight self-build houses until a new access is provided off the Old Thanet Way.

Mr Baldry said: “The timescale of the development as a whole is going to be dictated by that, and how other developments in the local plan progress.

“At the moment, we’re starting out with a modest group of houses that can be accessed via Golden Hill without causing too much disruption.

“We can’t - and don’t want - to put in a big application because we can’t service more than about eight houses until the access from the Thanet Way is there.”

It is hoped a decision on the application will be made by mid-June.