Designs for the redevelopment of an empty town centre supermarket site have been criticised as "unacceptable" by a community group.

Hythe Civic Society says it believes the "box-like design" of homes and shops proposed for the former Aldi site off the High Street in Hythe is inappropriate in the context of the conservation area which covers most of the historic town centre.

The plans have been drawn up by property developers In5 Group and their proposal, described as Town Square House, would see some existing buildings demolished and others refurbished to allow the creation of 35 new homes and seven shops.

Since 2019 the site has been vacant after the German discount retailer relocated its Hythe store to the out-of-town Kengate Industrial Estate.

An exhibition of the plans will be held at the Town Hall from midday to 6pm tomorrow. It is expected a planning application will be submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council later in the spring.

"Hythe Civic Society is pleased that, at last, there is a proposal to redevelop the ex-Aldi site in the middle of the conservation area," a society spokesman said.

"The society remains concerned that insufficient time, just three weeks, has been allowed for the Hythe public to be informed and make their views known to the developer for such a sensitive site in the midst of the town's conservation area.

"The society welcomes the principle of a mixed-use development of shops and residential with the upgrading of the Town Square. However, the design leaves a lot to be desired.

"The modern box-like design of the residential units and the balconies overlooking Town Square are unacceptable. The design does not sit well in the midst of the conservation area."

The plans would also see the existing car park off Prospect Road redesigned with 42 public spaces, 28 private spaces and 20 electric vehicle charging points. Town Square would also be redeveloped.

If approval is granted by the summer, the developers hope to begin work on site before the end of the year.

Sam England, land director at In5 Group, said: "We recognise that Hythe is well served by national supermarket chains, including Aldi, Iceland, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose.

"We believe the repurposing of the vacant large retail unit into smaller ones, combined with residential accommodation, will help sustain the town’s local economy."