Plans to replace a “scruffy and unsightly” building with new homes and shops have been praised by residents - but some have concerns over the lack of parking.

The former Hutchings Motorcycles shop in Deal is at the centre of proposals to redevelop part of South Street and Middle Street to include four stores and 11 homes.

Developer Mark Woolls, who runs Pier View Amusements in Deal and Dymchurch Amusement Park on Romney Marsh, is behind the scheme which involves knocking down the former bike shop and adding two extra floors.

Residents have shown support for the project, with many praising the “sensitive” designs.

But those opposed have shared concerns over the “car-free” nature of the development as it does not feature any parking spaces.

Neighbour Charlotte Manners, who has written to Dover District Council (DDC) to object to the scheme, said: “I already have huge problems parking in the area, at any time of day, despite having a permit.

“How much worse will this be? I dread to think.

“Parking should be planned for when erecting new homes in the town centre.”

Her concerns have been echoed by Deal Town Council (DTC) which has objected to the proposals, calling the scheme an “over-intensive use of the site”.

The authority adds: “There is a severe lack of parking.”

Mr Woolls previously said the lack of parking will not be a problem due to the development’s links to public transport.

The homes will also come with one bicycle parking space per bedroom.

The director of highways and transportation at Kent County Council has assessed the proposals and says while the lack of parking has been noted, the site is in a “sustainable location” and that public car parks nearby could be used to “meet parking demand”.

They added: “Parking controls exist on-street in the surrounding roads, but the public car parks are generally unrestricted after 6pm and adequately cater for the low numbers associated with the evening town centre economy.

“It is feasible that residents would be able to park overnight after returning from work, but they would have to find an alternative solution for parking outside of those times.

“The logistics of residents having to find alternative parking arrangements when needing to leave their vehicles during daytime hours, both on weekdays and at weekends, may be sufficient to deter most from vehicle ownership.”

Five comments have been submitted in support of the application from people who feel the designs will improve the appearance of the “neglected” part of town.

Resident Martin Horncastle said: “I am impressed by the thoughtful approach taken to enhance the character and functionality of this historically significant yet previously neglected part of our community.

“This area has long required attention, and it is heartening to see plans that prioritize both preservation and progress.

“The introduction of retail spaces within the development not only brings much-needed investment but also offers job opportunities, benefiting local residents and fostering economic growth.”

John Jones said he also welcomes the proposals, adding: “I support this project as there is high demand for new housing in Deal and I also welcome new business into the area which provides prosperity, jobs and choice.

“The current property is scruffy and unsightly.”

Documents submitted to DDC by Kirby Cove Architects, on behalf of Mr Woolls, show the former bike shop and adjacent unit currently used by The Taphouse bar will be knocked down to make way for the development.

Four shops will be created on the ground floor, and two floors will be added to include six flats.

One of the new shops will be purpose-built and reserved for The Taphouse to move into so the business can continue as usual.

A three-storey building attached to the Hutchings site, which currently has two flats inside, will also be knocked down as part of the redesign.

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Five townhouses have also been included in the plans along with two courtyard areas, and cycle and bin stores.

In 2020, similar proposals were put forward by the former owner of Hutchings Motorcycles.

Peter Hutchings, who ran the business for 40 years, had hoped to turn the site into two self-contained flats, one maisonette with two retail units.

Plans were approved but were never brought forward, and the store shut last year.

DDC is set to decide on Mr Woolls’s application by January 21.