Plans for a supermarket and two drive-thru restaurants on the site of a former drinks factory have been approved, despite a number of concerns.
The reworked proposals to transform the 11-acre former Silver Spring Mineral Water Company site on Park Farm Industrial Estate in Folkestone were passed through by councillors last week.
However, a number of members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s (FHDC) planning committee raised fears over increased traffic, pollution and safety in the area.
A pair of mid-range hotels – potentially an Ibis and a Hampton by Hilton – had been earmarked for the so-called ‘Folkestone Gateway’ development in 2018.
But the plans for the land, close to the Channel Tunnel terminal, were scrapped after the Covid pandemic blew a hole in the business case.
Landowner Channex Project Management Ltd, which acquired the plot from previous developers Ravensbourne Investments, changed the plans in 2022 to include a mix of retail, food and business units.
And the developers have now made further tweaks which include the addition of a new supermarket and an extra drive-thru restaurant.
The large site has been empty for over a decade after the former drinks factory was demolished.
Despite the concerns, FHDC members unanimously voted in favour of the development but has requested for extra landscaping to be introduced in the car park area.
Cllr Nicola Keen (Lab) raised fears about pollution during the meeting.
“Air quality at peak times along that road is absolutely dire,” she said. “I travel down Park Farm Road every morning and today it took me over 35 minutes to drive one mile.
“There are children walking to school and we have vehicles pumping out lead and diesel.
“I think we could be pouring lots of things into a small area but no one is thinking about the four schools that sit there.”
The schools near the future development include The Beacon, Tuner School, Folkestone Academy and Folkestone Primary.
However, an air quality assessment was submitted with the application and the environmental health officer raised no objections.
Furthermore, a transport assessment was also submitted which was appraised by Kent County Council Highways and National Highways.
The food store is set to be 20,000 sq ft in size, with the drive-thrus ranging from 1,800 sq ft to 2,500 sq ft.
Within the planning documents submitted to FHDC, the masterplan also shows proposals for five business units and a builder’s merchant.
It is not yet known which companies will take on the businesses, but Channex Project Management Ltd says the development would “enhance the quality of life for residents”.
The developers say the impact on Folkestone town centre has been assessed and “recognised as not being an obstacle to this application or the future development of the site”.
A spokesperson told KentOnline last month: “Residents will have easier access to a wider range of groceries and everyday essentials, potentially reducing the need to travel longer distances for shopping.
“The new establishments will create employment opportunities, both during the construction phase and for ongoing operations, providing local jobs in various roles such as retail, management, and customer service.
“The development can stimulate the local economy by attracting more visitors to the area, which can also benefit nearby businesses.”
Park Farm Industrial Estate is already home to a Mcdonald’s, Sainsbury’s, Homebase, Pets at Home and Home Bargains.
But Cllr Mike Blakemore (Green) was also skeptical about the increased traffic a new supermarket and drive-thrus could bring.
He explained: “I don’t think it would be a very successful supermarket or drive-thru that attracted only minimal traffic.
“I think people would say the traffic is already pretty bad near the Sainsbury’s and McDonald’s
“I cannot see how this would have a minimal impact on traffic.”
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However, Cllr Adrian Lockwood (Lab) pointed out that the traffic would be “spread out the area” once the new units are built.
Silver Spring, which had operated in Folkestone since 1888, fell into administration in 2013 and the building was demolished a year later.
The company had been based on the Park Farm estate since 1970.
Channex Project Management Ltd added: “We are pleased to progress with the site and welcome the decision by members and the local planning authority on Tuesday.”
