New homes could be built behind a well-known petrol station that thousands of people drive past every day.
Plans have been submitted to demolish workshops behind the Six Mile Garage service station on Stone Street, between Hythe and Canterbury.
Four “high-quality” four-bed homes and a separate office space would be constructed on the Stelling Minnis site next to Lyminge Forest.
Architects say the current industrial buildings – previously home to a used car sales centre and a repair workshop – harm views of the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB).
The new semi-detached homes will fit in better with the tree-lined surroundings, according to documents submitted by Hollaway Studio.
The Hythe-based firm says: “The existing industrial business development negatively impacts the AONB; it reduces the views towards the ancient woodland and consists of harsh materials uncomplimentary of the natural colour palette of the area.
“The design proposal for the site looks to improve the visual impact using a more neutral and appropriate colour palette, alongside a carefully placed landscaping strategy to enhance the biodiversity and ecology of the site.”
It says the houses will be “of high quality”, with a “well-integrated and sensitive design approach”.
Each home will have two parking spots with a carport.
The office space will include a screened-off ground-floor terrace and a seven-space underground car park. There will also be two visitor spaces with electric vehicle charging points outside the building.
Solar panels have also been introduced on the offices and houses where possible.
A planted tree line will shield the entire development from the existing garage, and residents will be able to reach their homes via the current access point on Mockbeggar Street.
Developers Seva Estates currently use the 40,000 sq ft site for storage.
The new office space will retain the existing 15 staff members and help secure “the long-term growth of the business”.
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Holloway Studio adds: “The site presents challenges in terms of levels with the existing arrangement of commercial buildings being inefficient, and the previous business operation as a vehicle repair garage was consequently constrained in terms of expansion.
“Therefore, an alternative future use of the site comprising a mixed-use development is now proposed.”
The architects firm says the proposals are in line with Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s (FHDC) local plan for new developments, “namely repurposing a previously developed site to retain employment use on the site whilst simultaneously creating a mixed-use development including housing”.
It adds: “Development at this location will provide direct benefit to the borough by reusing a previously developed site without giving rise to any material adverse impact to the character of this part of the AONB or neighbouring amenity.”
FHDC’s planning department is expected to make a decision by the end of August.