Sophie Hunter and Benedict Cumberbatch are among those objecting to the proposed new block

FEARS of a free-for-all in a conservation area has prompted acting A-lister Benedict Cumberbatch to join the objections against a new development in Dartmouth Park.

The film star and his wife, opera director Sophie Hunter, have called on council planners to throw out a project that would see a two-storey, red brick 1930s house known as Lamorna demolished and replaced with a six-storey block of flats.

Developer HGG London is waiting for a verdict on planning permission but the council has been deluged by messages against the scheme.

They include one from Mr Cumberbatch who said: “Approval would set a precedent. For example, could I now demolish my property and replace it with flats and not require the same extensive planning approval? “Or worse, the properties located behind this proposal could apply to be demolished with an even bigger property that this proposal is being submitted to form a mega development.”

How the new development in Dartmouth Park would look

The couple added in their objection that the designs did not fit with Dartmouth Park’s well-preserved architectural heritage.

“You only have to look at the adjacent properties to see the difference in style, materials, colours and feel,” the letter added.

Their objections come amid scores of others from residents and civic groups.

Another critic is lawyer Justine Thornton – married to Labour’s net zero minister Ed Miliband ­– who told the Town Hall: “No objection to the principle of redevelopment, particularly in the context of the need for more housing. However, the design appears to be too tall, too bulky and too dense.

“This application presents another opportunity for the council to demonstrate its commitment to the provision of sympathetically designed housing by acknowledging the benefit of redevelopment whilst rejecting this design.”

The designs and objections have been published on the council’s website Developers HGG outlined what they said were the scheme’s main benefits in a statement lodged at the Town Hall.

It said: “The development is an excellent opportunity to improve the economic, social, and environmental conditions of the area and it is in accordance with the development policies on housing. Notably, the development will deliver new housing on a brownfield site in an accessible location.”

They added the block would “improve the local townscape,” and delivered “much needed two bedroom and family housing provision”.

adding that it would encourage “new residents and visitors” to cycle as they were including cycle storage.

A payment will also be made as a Community Infrastructure Levy.