A CHILDREN’S cancer charity has launched a campaign against plans to build 20 houses near its idyllic respite home.

Canvey-based Indee Rose Trust is fighting plans submitted to Folkstone and Hythe District Council to build the homes on a car park in front of the home, which is used by terminally ill children and their families as part of the charity’s respite offering.

At the moment, it offers beach views and easy access to the beach-front home off Coast Drive car park, in Kent.

A spokesman for the charity said: “Indee’s holiday home is a wonderful place and it offers happier memories to be made for the treasure box families.

“It offers a break a way from hospitals and treatments.

“[The application wish] to build 20 homes directly on the back of Indee’s house totally taking away the beautiful views.

“We will no longer be able to offer the peace and quiet to the families, a magical place to recharge batteries and make new memories.

“Please sign and share we really want to stop this build.”

The petition already has 1,195 signatures out of the target of 1,500.

The spokesman added: “If this build goes ahead, the families will loose the peace and quiet they so deserve.

“The sea view will be lost and so will the magic of this place.

“These families are going through the toughest of journeys and along with the trauma of the dust, dirt and general disruption of this big build taking place, it would not be suitable to send these families to what is currently a wonderful place.

“This build will severely disrupt what the charity offers.

“There is direct easy access to the beach front.

“This build would make it hard for any disabled person to gain access easily.”

More than a year ago, plans were submitted for land next to the home which it is claimed will make the respite home unfit for purpose.

The charity was established by the parents of Canvey youngster Indee Rose Dopson, who died fighting a brain tumour in June 2009, aged three.

A spokesman for Folkestone and Hythe District Council confirmed that a planning application for 20 homes – 13 apartments and seven houses - on the car park site had been submitted. The scheme also includes 60 parking spaces.

"The application is out to consultation and all comments will be carefully considered when the decision is made by the Council’s planning committee. This is expected to be later this year."

For more information or to sign the petition visit www.change.org and search Jane Allen.