Designs for the redevelopment of an empty town centre supermarket site have been revised after they were branded "unacceptable" by a community group.

Hythe Civic Society criticised the "box-like design" of homes and shops proposed for the former Aldi site off the High Street in Hythe, saying they looked inappropriate in the context of the conservation area which covers most of the historic town centre.

Property developers In5 Group took the Town Square House project back to the drawing board after receiving feedback in a public consultation.

Responding to the initial artist's impressions, the Civic Society said: "The society welcomes the principle of a mixed-use development of shops and residential with the upgrading of the Town Square. However, the design leaves a lot to be desired.

"The modern box-like design of the residential units and the balconies overlooking Town Square are unacceptable. The design does not sit well in the midst of the conservation area."

In5 Group says it has listened to community concerns in revamping the designs for the scheme.

If the proposals are approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) it will create 35 flats and retail space, split between two buildings on the site between the High Street, Bank Street, Mount Street Mews and Prospect Road.

Sam England, land director at In5 Group, said: "Having listened to the local community, we adapted our design to incorporate materials that complement the local character while bringing in a modern twist.

"We believe this now better reflects the site’s location and heritage.

"The town has a strong reputation as a centre for family-owned businesses, especially on the High Street. Following discussions with local retail property experts we have reduced the original seven units to five to accommodate the needs of independent retailers."

The site itself was vacated in 2019 when the German discount retailer relocated its Hythe store to the out-of-town Kengate Industrial Estate.

A planning application for the scheme has now been submitted to FHDC.