The latest phase of a controversial development on the home of a former Army barracks looks set to be given the go-ahead.

Some 48 homes have been recommended for approval by Folkestone and Hythe District Council's planning committee ahead of a meeting at the borough's Civic Centre this evening.

The properties belong to the Shorncliffe Heights project on the former Garrison Army camp, often described as the British Army’s birthplace.

If approved, the 48 units will form part of the 1,200 homes currently being built by developer Taylor Wimpey who received outline planning permission in 2015.

The latest 3.8-acre proposal has been earmarked for a plot at the most southerly point of garrison and forms part of the former Burgoyne Barracks off West Road, Cheriton, with the reserved matters application being examined tonight.

The scheme has proved divisive, amid its location surrounding the Grade II-listed Racquet Court and The Water Tower - with the former being constructed between 1867 and 1873 by the Royal Engineers.

It is also close to the Sir John Moore Library, opened 100 years ago to benefit the education of troops, and which was sold at auction in June last year to a private buyer. This was a blow to campaigners who hoped to turn the building into a heritage centre.

Due to the historic location, Sandgate Parish Council (SPC) has objected to the scheme, which is phase 2C of the wider project.

The local authority says all three assets should be in "a setting which enhances their visual and historical significance".

It believes the library especially would be "hidden away behind new-builds" should the proposal go ahead.

In documents uploaded to the council’s website, the parish council added: "The committee is of the view that overall the proposed layout does not make the best use of the site and does not provide the views across the site that would highlight its military heritage.”

The homes would be a mix of two-bedroom and three-bedroom, with five having four bedrooms.

Alongside 113 parking spaces, the application includes plans for a new focal square and dedicated pedestrian cycle and footpath connections.

Taylor Wimpey acquired the barracks from the Ministry of Defence in 2015, and, in 2020, the government started using the site to house asylum-seekers, which continues to this day.

Although the government has permission to occupy the North Road site until September 2026, it plans to leave in March next year to enable Taylor Wimpey to build the homes.