A "much needed" 24-hour truck stop will be created near Hythe.

A planning application to build the 53-space facility on the Lympne Industrial Estate, off Otterpool Lane, was approved on Tuesday night.

An amenity block for drivers, which would house toilets, changing rooms and showers, is also proposed, as well as bins.

A report on the scheme said the lorry park would not result in an increased number of vehicles on the estate, as a lorry wash business already exists there.

Speaking at Folkestone and Hythe District Council's planning committee, Cllr Ian Meyers (Ukip) described the proposed lorry park as 'entirely sensible', adding: "We all benefit from goods that are imported from the continent and trucks that bring them."

He also supported the idea of an online booking system for the trucks.

Cllr Jackie Meade (Lab) said it was important that there is somewhere for the lorries to go, but questioned if two bins would be enough on site.

It was also raised that some members of the public had objected to the truck stop, over fears of increased noise and littering.

But a vote carried the plans through.

A report of the project also explained that the scheme would "not prejudice the long-term objectives of the Otterpool designation", meaning it would not impact the proposed Otterpool Park housing development, which is planned for nearby land.

As part of the Otterpool scheme, 10,000 houses are destined for land at and around the former Folkestone Racecourse, as well as a new town centre, schools and medical centres.

FHDC is behind the project, which has yet to receive planning permission.

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