Controversial plans to introduce a 20mph zone through a busy high street have been given the green light.

Revised designs for the new speed limit in Cheriton along with a cycle lane towards Folkestone Central station, have been branded as “ridiculous” by opponents.

The proposed £1.2 million scheme will see the 20mph zone run between Somerset Road and Coombe Road in Cheriton High Street after being approved by councillors this week.

A cycle path is set to be introduced between Cherry Garden Avenue and Cornwallis Avenue, near Folkestone Central Station, while there will be upgrades at the Cherry Garden Avenue and Cheriton Road junction with widened footpaths and revamped road layouts.

Following on from a consultation undertaken in 2021, which received a large amount of backlash, Kent County Council (KCC) has developed the scheme “to create a safer and direct route for cycling from Cheriton to Folkestone”.

The previous plans would have seen about a 70% reduction in parking on the high street - leading traders to launch a campaign against the plans and a petition which collected more than 2,500 signatures.

But, bosses now say the revised plans will have “no impact on parking”.

The plans were agreed by members of the Folkestone and Hythe district’s joint transportation board (JTB) this week – made up of KCC members and district councillors at Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

However, John Baker, who owns the County Hardware shop in Cheriton High Street, still believes the updated plans are “a load of nonsense”.

“I don't understand why we need a 20mph speed limit going through Cheriton,” he said.

“The congestion is already terrible here, this is going to make it even worse.

“We get all sorts of vehicles coming through here, if the speed bumps get put in as well it's going to be a nightmare.”

The proposed scheme will also include the creation of pedestrian priority junctions with table-top speed ramps for “safer crossing”.

Furthermore, there will be a reduction of street signs and lines and “improved” bus stop areas with kerb build outs.

Construction is likely to start in the spring.

FHDC ward councillor Rebecca Shoob (Green), previously expressed her disappointment that the scheme, part of a wider £6 million investment in walking and cycling, had been refused.

She says she is “delighted” the plans have now been approved.

“I’m particularly pleased that the go-ahead was given for a 20mph zone along a large section of Cheriton High Street,” she added.

“This should go a long way towards creating a safer and more pleasant environment for people spending time in Cheriton, which will be good for local businesses and our community.

“Twenty-mile-an-hour zones are becoming increasingly the norm in town centres and residential streets. Many residents have spoken to me about traffic safety issues.

“Like many places, we have a lot of straight, wide residential roads in Cheriton, that could be made safer if lower speeds were introduced.”

FHDC cabinet member for transport, regulatory services and building control, Cllr Polly Blakemore (Green), says the approval is “fantastic news”.

She said: “The approval of the Cheriton Active Travel scheme is fantastic news as it will massively improve the experience of those walking, wheeling and cycling between Cheriton and Folkestone.

“The 20mph zone will make Cheriton a safer and more pleasant environment for both residents and local businesses.

“As one of Cheriton's ward councillors, I know how concerned residents are about traffic safety issues.

“This scheme will encourage people to walk and cycle more which – as well as having huge health benefits – will also give a boost to the sense of community along the high road and its surrounding areas.”