Dover Western Heights development approved

The plans for the Western Heights development include new homes and a visitor centre

Plans for houses, a hotel and conference centre in Dover have been granted planning permission from the district council.

Organisations including Natural England and the National Trust objected to the scheme, which will be referred to the government for final approval.

The proposals for Western Heights and Farthingloe include 521 homes.

Dover District Council said the development would help regenerate the area.

Tim Ingleton from the local authority, said: "The balance weighed very much in favour of the economic benefits, the job creation and the opportunity to regenerate this part of Dover.

"We know that the economy of east Kent is facing its biggest challenge for several years. Planning is always about compromise."

Andrew Ogden from CPRE Protect Kent, part of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, said the organisation was "very disappointed" by the decision.

"Our biggest objection is that development at Farthingloe is in an area of outstanding natural beauty," he said.