Artist faces criticism over plan for doodle house

Mr Doodle has covered the inside of a property with his trademark hand-drawn doodles

An artist known as Mr Doodle is facing criticism for plans to build a bungalow covered in his designs on the Kent coast.

Sam Cox, from Tenterden, is seeking to replace an existing home in Dungeness with a unique three-bedroom structure incorporating existing railway carriages and laser-cut doodles on the exterior.

Some residents have criticised the proposal as a "vanity project" with no artistic inspiration or "spiritual understanding" of the beach location.

Architects Holloway Studios, which has submitted designs on behalf of Mr Cox, said the replacement house "embodies a thoughtful response to its context".

Concerns were also raised by objectors about wildlife within the area's site of special scientific interest (SSSI), with one objector suggesting curious animals could get stuck and injured in the metal artwork.

Lydd Town Council also voted against the plan citing concerns that "the metal facade would not be in keeping with the historical value of Dungeness as it is SSSI and could possibly impact the historical and environmental value to the area".

A design and access statement from the architects read: "We believe that this design will enrich the architectural fabric of Dungeness while providing a comfortable and environmentally responsible living space for its occupants."

The plans also said the exposed railway carriages celebrate the heritage of the site and include solar panels and a biodiverse garden for the site's special ecosystem.

One supporter of the plans wrote that the removal of the existing home was welcomed, adding: "This proposal is a much higher quality design and makes some innovative attempts to fit into this very sensitive and visible site."

The plans will be discussed at Folkestone and Hythe District Council planning committee meeting on Tuesday.