An asbestos-ridden “unusable eyesore” next to an Aldi supermarket will be demolished after plans to redesign an industrial estate were approved.
The proposal will see part of an existing but “shabby” building – which once housed a plumbing shop – at the Pennypot Industrial Estate in Hythe torn down and the rest transformed into three modern business units.
Plans to transform Pennypot Industrial Estate in Hythe have been approved
Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) received the redevelopment application in October, which has now been approved by planning officers.
Applicant WBA Hythe Ltd – which has owned the industrial estate off Dymchurch Road for many years – says it wants to make a “considerable investment” in the location.
The opening of the nearby Aldi is said to have “raised the profile” of the area, documents state.
Planning literature explains that, despite being smaller in size, the new layout will be far more appealing to incoming businesses.
This building earmarked for partial demolition has been described as ‘unusable’ and ‘dilapidated’
“Whilst the proposed development would represent a slight reduction in floorspace over the existing, this would involve the loss of a poor-quality building,” the officers report reads.
“The older building attached to the front of the main building is an unusable, dilapidated eyesore with extensive asbestos sheeting and it needs to be removed.
“The part to be demolished is of poor construction and looks quite shabby.
“The renovation of the remaining units would result in provision of modern, high-quality accommodation likely more attractive to prospective occupants.”
The Aldi supermarket next to the estate opened in 2019 after relocating from Hythe high street
Forty parking spaces are expected to be provided across the site, including disabled bays located close to every entrance.
Documents also note that neighbouring homes along Dymchurch Road have long gardens and high walls, which act as a buffer to limit any potential noise disruption.
Businesses will be permitted to operate between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
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FHDC also considered the site’s proximity to the Royal Military Canal, describing the proposed landscaping as a “slight enhancement” to the existing view.
The new commercial units will sit next to Hythe’s Aldi store off Dymchurch Road
According to estate agents Smith Woolley, there is strong demand for smaller industrial units in the area, with the anticipated rental value making the investment viable over the long term, planning documents add.
David Ian Furniture currently operates on part of the site and will remain alongside the new additions – possibly relocating into one of the new units. The Aldi store is located next to the industrial estate.
The spaces will be provided as empty “cold shells”, meaning without heating or internal fittings, allowing incoming tenants to fit them out to suit their own specific needs.