A developer thrust into the spotlight after building flats likened to “The Titanic” says they were mistakenly advertised as holiday homes.
Whitstable Nest stressed its overbearing block of 12 white-clad homes in the seaside town were marketed as getaway properties accidentally, having previously vowed they would not be.
Trust between the firm and neighbours became frayed when the finished “monolithic" product in October differed radically from official approved plans.
The building blunder triggered Canterbury City Council to serve Nest an enforcement notice, ordering it to tear down the rear extension of the development and the roof.
But with the property recently appearing on the market as a “dream getaway” for £4.5m, residents claim they are enduring a form of “mental torture”.
Architect and residents’ spokesperson Michael Shoobridge, said: “They have concerns purely because of the past history of dealing with Whitstable Nest.
“They’d had assurances saying they would not sell it as holiday lets.
We can do nothing but take them for their word, so it was a shock when we saw the listing.”
“You just think, what is going on?” he continued.
“And this is why the residents just, frankly, don't trust (Nest) an inch.
“They're under a lot of stress now, just having to just see what's going to happen.”
Describing how neighbours feel they must keep a “close eye” on the site, Mr Shoobridge added.“If (Nest) followed the correct procedure in the first place, they would have built it according to what the planners accepted and approved,” he said.
“It’s the mental torture.
“This is making the residents' lives hell – that’s why we're still worried now.”
Neighbours say Nest vowed the block was not intended to be second homes – a concern shared by many living in tourists hotspots as hundreds have popped up over recent years.
But a promotional website called thameshousewhitstable.com went live recently, specifically advertising the Canterbury Road apartments as holiday rentals.
Furthermore, CGIs with the now-removed Rightmove advert showed the controversial “Titanic” designs rather than new toned-down plans.
The advert has since been removed, however the website is still active at the time of writing.
It says: “Ready to experience the magic of Whitstable? Browse our selection of apartments, check availability, and book your dream getaway today.
“We look forward to hosting you in our beautiful coastal town.
“Our apartments are designed to make you feel right at home from the moment you step inside.
“Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family holiday, or a solo adventure, we have the perfect accommodation for you.”
But it is understood the blurb was published by an external marketing firm without the developer’s knowledge.
Whitstable Nest apologised for the confusion and said the listing posted on May 23 was a mistake.
Bosses have assured that the CGIs are old, and are not what the finished development will look like.
They add they “do not want” the flats to become rented retreats, but neighbours say they “do not trust them an inch”.
Oliver Youll of Whitstable Nest told KentOnline: “We are sorry for the confusion and worry this has caused residents.
“We just want to keep relations healthy with neighbours.
“I know we have not done that in the past, but we have spoken to the council and want to keep speaking to all the neighbours.
“We are still keeping options open in terms of sale.
“Financially, our options now are to sell or find an investor to work with us but holiday lets are not something we want to do.
“They certainly won’t be advertised as holiday lets if we do sell.”
The flats have a short but colourful history.
Permission was originally granted for the building two and a half years ago, and the original designs had a brick finish, in keeping with the surrounding properties.
But instead, an “ugly” and “out of character” white, modern complex was constructed - and even developers Whitstable Nest admitted were a far cry from the approved designs.
Neighbours told KentOnline in October the “monolithic” white-clad block felt like “having the Titanic at the end of the garden”.
The building blunder triggered Canterbury City Council to serve Nest an enforcement notice, ordering it to tear down the rear extension of the development and the roof.
After the developer appealed the notice following roundtable discussions with neighbours modified designs are currently out for consultation with city council planning chiefs.
