An asbestos-ridden \u201cunusable eyesore\u201d next to an Aldi supermarket will be demolished after plans to redesign an industrial estate were approved.<\/p>\n
The proposal will see part of an existing but \u201cshabby\u201d building \u2013 which once housed a plumbing shop \u2013 at the Pennypot Industrial Estate in Hythe torn down and the rest transformed into three modern business units.<\/p>\n
Plans to transform Pennypot Industrial Estate in Hythe have been approved<\/p>\n
Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) received the redevelopment application in October, which has now been approved by planning officers.<\/p>\n
Applicant WBA Hythe Ltd – which has owned the industrial estate off Dymchurch Road for many years – says it wants to make a \u201cconsiderable investment\u201d in the location.<\/p>\n
The opening of the nearby Aldi is said to have \u201craised the profile\u201d of the area, documents state.<\/p>\n
Planning literature explains that, despite being smaller in size, the new layout will be far more appealing to incoming businesses.<\/p>\n
This building earmarked for partial demolition has been described as \u2018unusable\u2019 and \u2018dilapidated\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cWhilst the proposed development would represent a slight reduction in floorspace over the existing, this would involve the loss of a poor-quality building,\u201d the officers report reads.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“The part to be demolished is of poor construction and looks quite shabby.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe renovation of the remaining units would result in provision of modern, high-quality accommodation likely more attractive to prospective occupants.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Aldi supermarket next to the estate opened in 2019 after relocating from Hythe high street<\/p>\n
Forty parking spaces are expected to be provided across the site, including disabled bays located close to every entrance.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Businesses will be permitted to operate between 7am and 6pm from Monday to Saturday, and from 10am to 5pm on Sundays and bank holidays.<\/p>\n