PLANS for a block of flats in Folkestone have been thrown out by councillors.

The intention was to build a four-storey block of seven flats on the site of a bungalow in Marten Road.

Planners said the application should be passed and the bungalow demolished but councillors on the development control committee unanimously rejected that view after hearing from Folkestone Town Council and neighbours of the property.

Marten Road is lined with large Edwardian homes, largely divided into flats, and the new-build would have been to a similar height and bulk, faced in brick with gable ends.

However, the bulk of the new-build would have seen it sit right on the boundaries of the plot, with the garden given over to parking, front and rear.

Ward Cllr Rory Love told the committee: “I have four issues about the development: Proximity, Privacy, Parking and Planning Guidance."

Also speaking against the application, Folkestone Town councillor Rodica Wheeler said: “There is not a demand for these flats, 'affordable’ just refers to the high price of homes at the moment.”

The application was rejected.