The controversial Otterpool Park development is to be discussed by councillors for the first time, it was revealed today.

A decision is expected on the new garden town - set for land between Ashford and Hythe - when it is put before councillors at a meeting in July.

The scheme would include 10,000 new homes, if it is given the green light.

Outline planning permission was submitted earlier this year to Folkestone and Hythe District Council, which revealed the scheme would be delivered in three phases.

Built around Folkestone Racecourse, the development would gradually connect villages including Westenhanger, Lympne and Sellindge.

As well as thousands of new homes the project includes plans for a hotel, two GP health centres and one treatment centre.

Space has also been allocated for dining, offices, convenience stores, sports halls and pavilions.

There would be 13 nurseries and six primary schools, as well as secondary and further education facilities.

Around 50% of the site would be made up of green spaces, which includes equipped play areas, parks and gardens, natural areas, hedgerows and woodland, primary school pitches and allotments spaces.

The development, which has sparked protests from residents, was presented to the public during a consultation this month.

More than 300 people attended the meeting, which produced a wide range of mixed reviews.

But now, the plans will be put to the district council for the first time.

A report which sets out the proposed delivery programme for Otterpool will be presented to the council's Cabinet on Wednesday, July 19.

But part of the meeting is expected to be held in private.

A report states: "The cabinet of Folkestone and Hythe District Council intends to hold a meeting (or parts thereof), on the date shown above, in private."

The reason is that it will include "information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) ‘Financial or business affairs’ includes contemplated as well as current activities."

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe