Kent-based artist Sam Cox, known as Mr. Doodle, faces a potential delay in his ambitious project to construct a home adorned with his distinctive designs on the Dungeness coast. The planning committee for Folkestone and Hythe District Council voted to defer the application, delaying a decision until more comprehensive feedback from residents is gathered.
Initial plans for the three-bedroom home, intended to replace an existing structure, prompted objections. Critics described the project as a "vanity project" lacking connection to the local area, particularly given its designation as "Britain's only desert." Concerns regarding the impact on the site's protected wildlife, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and the proposed metal facade's compatibility with the area's historical character were also raised by Lydd Town Council.
The artist's previous project, the "Doodle House" in Tenterden, gained attention for its elaborate doodle-covered exterior. Mr. Doodle aims to extend his artistic vision to the Dungeness property, potentially incorporating repurposed railway carriages and laser-cut doodles. This new build, according to the architect's statement, aims to blend creatively with the local environment and incorporate renewable energy solutions like solar panels.
However, the planned design has faced pushback. While some residents welcomed the removal of the existing home, concerns about the project's visual impact and compatibility with the existing surroundings remain.
The council's deferral, spearheaded by committee chairwoman Jackie Meade, prioritizes comprehensive community input. The decision aims to allow residents sufficient time to comment on the proposed design. Furthermore, councillors will request additional design clarifications regarding the home's external cladding. The initial recommendation for approval was subject to certain conditions, further complicating the approval process.
The project's future hinges on addressing the concerns raised by residents and council members regarding its visual impact, historical context, and environmental effect.
