A development to turn derelict land into a “mini garden town” has been given unanimous approval to go ahead.

The Stonegate Farm, in Stone Street, Stelling Minnis, will be replenished with 30 houses and two office blocks, including a new footpath access to Thorn Lane.

Developer Quinn Estates lodged the application which will see nine of the houses fall within the affordable homes bracket and 39 jobs created.

The decision was made by the planning committee at Shepway District Council on Tuesday, September 27.

It will replace a former egg production unit which closed in 2005.

Speaking at the meeting, boss Mark Quinn said his proposal provided a “common sense solution” to a site that had laid empty and unused for more than a decade.

He said it would end up being a “magnet for crime” and is a “blot on the landscape”.

Despite the recommendation from planning officers to refuse it, councillors went against the advice and whole-heartedly supported it.

Cllr Michael Lyons, who is the mayor of Hythe, said: “In the past we have said ‘this is wrong’, but I have seen lots of change in planning law.

“When I pass this site on a regular basis I look and think, what a dump.

“What are we going to put there instead? It is a building site that is right for progress.
“It is a new mini garden town.”

Supporting comments were echoed around the chamber, despite the patch of land being considered an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) and unsuitable for development.

Cllr Alan Ewart-James, who represents Hythe, said: “Shepway District Council has a vision to improve the appearance of the district and increase the number of jobs.

“All of this fits this vision.”

Cllr Len Laws proposed that the application was passed, which was seconded by Cllr Jennifer Hollingsbee. It was then unanimously passed by other members in the final vote.