An empty town centre supermarket could be redeveloped into a mix of smaller shops and apartments.

The plans for the former Aldi site off the High Street in Hythe, which went on the market for £2.2 million back in 2019, have been drawn up by property developers In5 Group.

Their proposal, described as Town Square House, would see some existing buildings demolished and other refurbished to allow the creation of 35 new homes and seven shops.

The site itself was vacated in 2019 when the German discount retailer relocated its Hythe store to the out-of-town Kengate Industrial Estate.

Sam England, land director at In5 Group, said: "Hythe has a strong reputation as a centre for family-owned businesses, especially on the High Street.

"As a result we have included seven new retail units, with a range of sizes to accommodate the needs of independent retailers or healthcare services.

"By redeveloping and repurposing the existing building we can create 35 one, two and three-bed apartments, including three affordable apartments around a communal garden space, with private parking.

"Town Square House will also create a new frontage to Bank Street."

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.

A website for the scheme has been launched to seek views of people living locally, and a planning application is expected to be submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council soon.

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

Mr England 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."