Fresh plans to demolish workshops and build homes behind a well-known petrol station have been submitted, months after a previous scheme was thrown out.
Four “high-quality” three-bedroom houses, as well as a separate office and storage space, could be constructed behind Six Mile Garage service station on Stone Street, Stelling Minnis, between Hythe and Canterbury.
Previously, applicants Seva Rail submitted a similar scheme for the site, which is next to Lyminge Forest, but it was refused by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) last year.
The local authority questioned the sustainability of the project and the need for a new development in the countryside.
It was pointed out that the brownfield lot’s remote location would require employees and residents to rely on their cars due to a lack of public transport.
Concerns were also raised over the impact new housing would have on existing neighbours and the nearby ancient woodland.
However, architects Hollaway Studio say the updated plans from Seva Rail “reflect significant enhancements” to address the previous issues.
A spokesperson said: “The new proposal now includes four detached three-bedroom homes alongside a smaller commercial unit, both designed to blend harmoniously with the surrounding environment.
“A key focus of the revised design is reducing the visual impact of the development.
“The overall built volume has been reduced significantly, improving views towards the adjacent ancient wood and enhancing the rural aesthetic of the area.
“Significant attention has been given to ecological preservation and biodiversity. All construction has been moved outside the buffer zone, protecting the woodland, and existing trees and habitats have been carefully preserved.
“The updated design represents a thoughtful response to community and consultee feedback, with a focus on integrating the development into its natural surroundings.
“It balances the need for high-quality residential and commercial spaces with a sensitive approach to the area’s unique ecological and aesthetic value.”
The Hythe-based firm remains convinced the new plans will be a better fit for the land than the current industrial buildings, which harm views of the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
No comments have been registered for or against the application on FHDC’s planning portal.
Under the new plans all the homes have been reduced by one bedroom but will still have two car parking spots.
To prevent overlooking of neighbouring properties, angled windows have been introduced on the first floor, directing views towards the neighbouring ancient woodland, and the heights of the homes have been reduced.
The site will use an existing access point off Mockbeggar Street, but a second route is proposed to reduce the impact on neighbouring properties.
Improvements to the current entrance, including removing the concrete verge and replacing it with a grass version, is also proposed to reduce the risk to oncoming traffic.
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal
Seva Retail, which currently uses the site for storage, will maintain a commercial presence on the premises through the new office building.
To increase the proposal’s eco credentials, bird and bat boxes will be integrated into the proposed dwellings, and a wildlife-friendly planting scheme is proposed for the site after development.
FHDC is expected to make a decision later this year.
#attempt #build #homes #Mile #Garage #petrol #station #Stone #Street #Hythe #Canterbury
Leave a Reply