Plans to develop a “dangerous” and abandoned high street supermarket have been “completely reimagined” in fresh designs unveiled this month.

Initial proposals to transform the former Aldi in Hythe were first revealed in March 2022, when developer In5 Group shared its vision for 35 flats and a series of shops.

Concerns about the “modern box-like design” forced the firm back to the drawing board, with new images released in July of that year receiving a more positive reaction.

But now a third set of designs have been unveiled for the prime town centre site, which has gradually fallen into a state of disrepair since the store closed more than four years ago.

The firm behind the new concept, Adventure in Architecture, says there has been a “comprehensive redesign” involving a “complete reimagination” of the existing building.

In particular, drawings show a drastically different look to the frontage onto Hythe High Street, with no sign of the large glass balconies from previous designs.

Director and owner Jonathan Beswick said: “We have worked extremely hard over the last four years, working with the council’s planning department, Hythe Town Council, Kent County Council and the Design Review Panel.

“In short, the design that faces the town square on the High Street is now more in keeping with the heritage, the local architecture and materials.

“It is heavily influenced by the old bank and the buildings opposite with white rendered Georgian architecture and slate roofs behind a parapet.

“The commercial shop fronts on Bank Street are tame as their reference is the town’s royal blue signage, and a passageway links the car park through to the town square.

‘The rear elevation facing Prospect Road – and the sea beyond - is more modern in design and draws inspiration from local fisherman’s huts and timber-clad beachfront developments.

‘We hope the changes to the design give the council confidence to grant permission so we can regenerate the dilapidated former supermarket in the centre of historic Hythe.”

A neighbour, who has lived in Hythe for 20 years and asked not to be named, says the latest plans are “definitely an improvement”.

“It’s more in keeping with the street scene, but not entirely,” they said.

“I’m still concerned about the excessive render and black timber cladding and ideally would like to see some use of red brick and ragstone, particularly along the High Street side, which is characteristic of this area.”

Planning agent DHA says the plans were revised following feedback received by an independent panel of experts last April.

It said in documents submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC): “The enclosed amendments have been designed to address comments and concerns raised by the Design Review Panel, and will result in an attractive development that will deliver high-quality mixed-use regeneration of a currently vacant town centre site.”

Paul Naylor is chair of Hythe Civic Society, which branded the first set of designs in 2022 “unacceptable” in a conservation area.

The society deemed the second vision more appropriate, while Mr Naylor says the latest revised proposals are “definitely an improvement”.

“We are pleased developers have revisited the plans and overall we welcome what they have done,” he added.

“We are also pleased the High Street elevation has changed to be more sympathetic to the conservation area.”

Mr Naylor says, however, that he would like to know more about what is planned for the town square, as the society currently owns parts of it.

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Despite the improvements, he also believes parking is still a “big issue”.

Aldi’s old car park has been run by the council and used by residents for years but could be reduced in size, as a section will be lost to the development.

Locals say the site in its current state is a safety hazard and a “blight on the town centre”.

Only last month loose guttering was seen hanging from the former store, sparking fears it could fall and injure a passer-by.

A planning application was submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council in July 2022, and was updated this month with the latest amendments.

A public consultation to air views will run until March 7.