by Tricia Jamieson

Controversial plans for redeveloping Hythe’s Imperial Hotel have been rejected by town councillors.
They decided by one vote on Wednesday night not to support the scheme which would revamp the hotel and see 75 homes built in the grounds.
The final decision rests with Shepway council.
After the meeting Darrell Healey, group chairman of hotel owners the GSE group, said: “We are naturally disappointed. We look forward to discussing it with Shepway council and to their decision.”
Opponents packed the public gallery at Hythe Town Hall for the meeting. Eleven members of the public addressed councillors, 10 against the scheme.
Many speakers expressed concern about the increase in traffic and threat to Hythe’s character by the development.
The £1million offered by GSE for affordable housing elsewhere in the area was also questioned.
Cllr Darren Briddock was forced to withdraw his comment referring to the money as a “bung” after being accused of disorderly conduct by Cllr Malcolm Dearden.
In an impassioned speech, Cllr Richard Carroll said the offer was “if not illegal then most certainly immoral.”
He added: “Accepting this money will open the floodgates for all and sundry to buy their way out of clauses they don’t like.”
In favour of the scheme was Peter Hobbs, who spoke on behalf of businesses.
He said a massive investment was needed in the hotel and added: “If you want Hythe to develop as a quality visitor destination, if you want Hythe and local businesses to prosper, vote yes.”
Cllr Alan Ewart-James said the council should listen to the silent majority, some of whom supported the scheme, and added that affordable homes were “desperately needed.”
For full story, see next week’s Kentish Express.