Plans to redevelop a former drinks factory site have been given the green light for a second time – and are set to create about 250 jobs.
Folkestone’s first Aldi store is included in the scheme, alongside two drive-thru restaurants and an ‘employment space’ featuring business units.
A question mark had been hanging over the project after Aldi’s rival Lidl threatened to launch a judicial review of Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s (FHDC) decision to approve the plan following a meeting in June.
The authority reconsidered its position but gave the nod again last night, meaning the former Silver Spring Mineral Water Company site on Park Farm Industrial Estate will now be developed.
Councillors were told of the new job opportunities by Alistair Ingram, a planning agent working on behalf of applicants Channex Project Ltd.
“Members will be aware of the significant benefit the scheme will bring,” he said.
“These include about 250 new jobs through the redevelopment of a vacant brownfield site and the provision of new purpose-built employment units.”
The scheme had been recommended for approval by planning officers ahead of the meeting.
During the debate, Cllr Clive Goddard (Con) said he fully supported the plan, which was unanimously voted through.
“This is excellent, it’s just what this area needs with plenty more jobs building the scheme,” he said.
Committee chairman Jackie Meade (Lab) agreed, saying: “I’m absolutely delighted there will be 250 new hopefully very secure jobs for the area and more access to different types of shops.”
Commenting on Lidl’s legal threat, Cllr Gary Fuller (Lib Dem) said: “It was very interesting to see that a competitor organisation had concerns about a competitor organisation going in.
“I don’t think there’s any new information that in any way changes my view on that site and I’m happy to move the recommendation.”
Lidl, which runs stores in Shellons Street, Folkestone and Hawkinge, claimed the council “failed to assess the application with necessary care” ahead of the committee meeting in the summer.
The company said the authority has “exposed itself to a judicial review claim” by failing to complete a “rigorous impact assessment” of the new supermarket.
Before yesterday’s meeting, FHDC said it was “aware of Lidl’s concerns” and confirmed it would “bring them to the attention of the planning and licensing committee”.
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.
The scheme was submitted as a hybrid application, with Aldi given full planning permission and the drive-thrus and ‘employment space’ receiving outline.
Silver Spring, which had been in Folkestone since 1888, fell into administration in 2013 and its factory was demolished a year later.
The company had been based on the Park Farm estate since 1970.
