“Ill-thought” out and “completely alien” plans to transform a disused garage into a block of flats have been refused.

The proposal, which aimed to replace the former Riviera Car Sales site in Sandgate, near Folkestone, with nine apartments, was rejected due to concerns over its size, impact on the area and quality of living conditions for future residents.

Council officers at Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) said the development’s height, mass, and design would not fit in with the surrounding area and would harm the character of the village’s Conservation Area.

They also raised concerns about the impact on nearby listed buildings further along Sandgate High Street and the site’s location being in a flood-risk area.

The lack of outdoor space, small terraces, and poor natural light for some flats were also cited as issues.

FHDC noted that two ground-floor flats would have limited sunlight and be too close to the pavement and road, offering no privacy or “defensible space”.

Developer Leo Griggs said he was disappointed over the refusal and plans to draw up a revised application.

He told KentOnline: “We hope to address the refusal points one by one, and resubmit.

“We have proposed a great scheme which received support from the parish council, which authors the Sandgate Village Design statement.

“The existing car garage is identified as a negative building within the Conservation Area appraisal.

“Our proposal is the same footprint as most of the neighbouring terraced buildings, protecting the existing street scene, roadways, vehicle entrances and slope stability, whilst providing attractive, sought-after, and much-needed housing, close to the seafront amenity.”

Prior to the refusal, residents have voiced their concerns over the plans.

In an objection submitted to FHDC, Steve Corkerton said the development would “dominate” Sandgate High Street and take away from the historic architecture of neighbour Chichester Hall.

He described the design as too big and out of place in the conservation area, describing the scheme as “ill-thought and completely alien” to the village.

When the plans were first lodged in February, Mr Griggs described the project as an opportunity to bring high-quality housing to Sandgate’s high street.

The proposed flats included a mix of one- and two-bedroom apartments, many with private balconies or terraces.

He had hoped construction could begin by the end of the year and take around 18 months to complete.

The site has a long history, once housing buildings owned by H & G Simonds Brewery before being converted into residential properties and a petrol station.

These structures were demolished in the 1960s to make way for the current garage, which closed in September 2023.

Mr Griggs, who has lived in Sandgate for two decades, has worked on several local projects, including the redevelopment of Folkestone’s Royal Victoria Hospital.

KentOnline previously reported how Sandgate has in recent years gone from being best known for its antique stores to becoming a hotspot for luxury modern homes and trendy cafes and bars.

One resident told us: “I think it's one of the best areas in Kent to live in.”