Former medical devices factory could become houses in Hythe
10:32, 23 March 2021
updated: 11:14, 23 March 2021
Plans to convert the site of a former medical devices factory into 97 new homes are expected to be given the go ahead.
The proposal would see the Smiths Medical site, in Boundary Road, Hythe, redeveloped into 97 one, two and three-bed homes, 30% of which would be affordable.
The application also seeks permission for a 66-bed care home and office space.
Of the neighbours consulted over the plans, four replied in support and four commented with objections.
Concerns raised included the layout and design, and traffic and access.
One reads: "A point of concern is the impact on Range Road.
"The road is effectively an internal road used for access to and between the business units, which results in regular movements of lorries parking and reversing and of fork-lift trucks ferrying between the buildings.
"To fit in additional traffic will cause problems. To alleviate the impact of the plan I propose to use Range Road ONLY as an access point for the planned care home and to link the proposed units 76-97 to the point of access from Ford Road."
Another said: "I support the development of this brownfield site providing an effective one way traffic system is implemented with traffic light controlled access/egress to Dymchurch Road plus the implementation of a 20 mph zone throughout the development as well as for Fort Road, Frampton Road, Boundary Road and St Nicholas Road."
Hythe Town Council also objects.
The scheme will be discussed by Folkestone and Hythe District Council's planning committee at its meeting tonight.
The application is recommended for approval by officers.
Smith Medical relocated staff from the Hythe site to Ashford in 2017. Demolition took place in 2018.
