Plans for a unique seaside home by artist Mr Doodle face delays over improper notice postings by the local council
Dungeness: So, there’s this artist, Sam Cox, also known as Mr Doodle, who wanted to build a really unique seaside home. But guess what? His plans hit a snag because the council didn’t put up enough notices about the application. It’s a bit of a mess, really.
The Folkestone and Hythe District Council was all set to give the green light this week. But right before the meeting, they realized they hadn’t followed the proper procedure. They need to post these yellow notices around, and they just didn’t do it this time.
Sure, they sent letters to nearby residents and even advertised in the press, but the committee chair, Jackie Meade, decided to hold off on the decision. She just wanted to make sure everything was done by the book.
Mr Doodle’s plan is to replace an old house with a cool three-bedroom place that includes railway carriages and some of his signature doodles on the outside. But not everyone is on board. Some locals are calling it a “vanity project” and say it doesn’t really fit the vibe of Dungeness.
One resident even compared it to “Disneyfication,” which is a pretty strong word. Plus, there are worries about local wildlife getting caught up in the metal art. It’s a bit of a mixed bag of opinions.
The architects behind the project, Hollaway Studios, argue that the new home would actually blend well with the area. Guy Hollaway, the founder, showed up at the meeting to back the proposal, saying they want to restore the train carriage and make it a standout feature.
But not everyone is convinced. Dominic Gregory, who’s lived in Dungeness for nearly 20 years, voiced his concerns. He thinks the design turns a simple home into a flashy art piece, which might not be what the area needs.
He pointed out that the decorations could overshadow the building’s original charm. It’s not just about looks; it’s about keeping the character of Dungeness intact.
Before the meeting, Lydd Town Council also raised objections, saying the project could change the area’s character. Some councillors were torn, with mixed feelings about the design.
One councillor, Mike Blakemore, felt it might hide the old railway carriages behind too much artwork. Others wanted clearer images to understand how it would really look.
On the flip side, some councillors thought it was an exciting project that could boost tourism in the Romney Marsh area. They see it as a way to keep things fresh and interesting.
As of now, it’s unclear when the council will revisit the proposal. Mr Cox, who lives in a doodle-covered mansion with his family, is just hoping for a chance to make his artistic mark on Dungeness.
