An abandoned drinks factory is finally set to be replaced with another 30 industrial units.

Park Farm Industrial Estate in Folkestone is an established sector of Folkestone’s economy, with brands ranging from Sainsbury’s to Screwfix plying their trade on the site.

Now 30 more units are to join the bustling area, opposite Action Carpets on Barnfield road.

The abandoned site was formerly occupied by the soft drinks manufacturer, Silver Spring which had operated in Folkestone since 1888.

The company became known for its 'Perfectly Clear' range of flavoured water and its own range of soft drinks.

Initially based at Grace Hill and Foord Road near the coast, the company moved into the Park Farm Estate in 1970.

Despite the company's popularity in the 20th century, it fell into administration in 2013 and the building was demolished a year later.

Cllr David Wimble described it as a “superb use” of a brownfield site.

He said: “It did look pretty bleak down there. You’ve got Bookers which in itself looks a bit untidy

“This is what we’re trying to develop across the district including Mountfield Road Industrial Estate.

“I can’t see why anyone would object to this, it does what it says on the tin, it’s an industrial estate and these are industrial units.”

This isn’t the first time the site has been targeted for redevelopment. In 2018 plans to turn the area into a hotel complex were refused.

However not all councillors were impressed by the scheme, as Cllr Jackie Meade raised concerns over the environmental impact of the busy road.

She said: “You see how many schools are very close to here and we’re looking at a minimum of 51 extra parking spaces.

“It’s not that they’re parking in there, it’s that they’re driving up and down that road whilst the kids are walking to school and the emissions going out.

“If anyone knows that road they’ll know it’s getting fuller and fuller and fuller, if you try and go down there it’s backed all the way up.”

Despite these concerns councillors approved the units with ten councillors in favour and two abstentions.