Another international hotel chain could be making its way to Folkestone.

Worldwide hospitality brand Ibis has declared its interest in occupying a second proposed hotel on the former Silver Spring site on Park Farm Industrial Estate.

The plans come just weeks after Hampton by Hilton confirmed it will be moving in during the first phase of the multi-million pound development.

The land, measuring 3.8 hectares, has been abandoned for years after the drinks factory stopped production in 2012 and an application to flatten it was submitted in 2013.

The go-ahead for phase one of the development, named 'Folkestone Gateway', was given in April last year by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

It consists of the six storey Hampton by Hilton hotel with 131 rooms, as well as a drive-thru KFC and a drive-thru Costa Coffee.

As part of phase two, the new Ibis hotel would be four storeys also with 131 bedrooms, which will include a mix of accessible and family rooms if approved.

There would also be an on-site restaurant and 122 car parking spaces.

The design and access statement by Corstorphine and Wright Architects states: "It is intended that the design for this phase be in keeping and consistent with the approved proposals submitted for phase one.

"It is envisaged that development of this second phase will create sufficient interest to facilitate uses coming forward for the remainder of the site. This may come forward as a single delivery or in phases depending on demand."

Landowner Ravensbourne Investments Ltd, headed up by property tycoon Adrian Kirby, said the first phase will cost £10 million and pave the way for the second, with a cash injection of £20-£30 million to build office units and other buildings on the rest of the brownfield site.

But fresh documents express demand for a second hotel, with office space now drafted for future stages.

The planning statement, prepared by Q+A Planning Ltd, notes that enough space is still available on site for up to 10,000 sqm of offices if the hotel is built, which would contribute to the council's tourism aspirations.

It reads: "There is a clear demand for the hotel with a named operator, which provides certainty to delivery.

"There will be substantial economic benefits with the creation of 42 jobs."

It adds that the site's proximity to the Channel Tunnel and Eurostar links create a 'significant opportunity for quality branded hotels' such as the two named brands who have committed to investing in the town: "There is a distinction in price and service offered by the two hotels, with the Hampton by Hilton offering a mid-range offer, with the Ibis geared towards the budget end.

"Therefore, they are complimentary and there is a mutual benefit to two hotels in this location.

"A lack of international brands locally provides the opportunity to establish more branded rooms."

Some footpaths around the site would also be widened for improved accessibility and bicycles.

The first phase of development is due to start early this year and will create more than 200 jobs, while Mr Kirby believes further waves of development will generate up to 500 jobs.

The Hampton by Hilton, which runs more than 2,000 hotels in America and 20 other countries, will be in direct competition with BestWestern and Britannia Hotels, and there will be 180 car parking spaces attached to it.

Silver Spring had occupied the site for over 42 years from 1970 onwards. A planning application for a retail units such as Currys PC World, Matalan, Topps Tiles and Toys R Us on the site was refused back in January 2014.