Plans to demolish workshops behind a well-known petrol station to make way for new homes have been thrown out.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council's planning officers have refused the proposals for buildings behind Six Mile Garage on Stone Street between Hythe and Canterbury.

The scheme looked to add four “high-quality" four-bedroom homes and a separate office space on the Stelling Minnis site next to Lyminge Forest.

Applicants Seva Estates previously stated that the new plans would be a better fit for the land than the current industrial buildings, which harm views of the area of outstanding natural beauty.

However, Folkestone & Hythe District Council remained unconvinced, raising concerns over the development's sustainability.

It was pointed out that the brownfield site's remote location would mean employees and residents would rely on their own cars due to the lack of public transport.

It had also not been demonstrated to officers that there was an essential need for the new development in the countryside.

Concerns were also raised over the impact new housing would have on existing neighbours and the nearby ancient woodland.

Officers felt the designed height and layout would result in a loss of privacy for residents and that there was a lack of information to identify the impact on the neighbouring area of outstanding natural beauty.

The officer’s report also added: “Whilst there is not considered to be any detrimental impact upon the visual character of the designated landscape, given the existing site and buildings, with no identified issues in relation to contaminated land, flooding/drainage, or buried archaeology, it is not considered that the site is in a sustainable location.

“Impacts were identified upon the residential amenity of existing occupants from overlooking, and a lack of information to adequately assess the impact of the proposed development upon the designated Ancient Woodland.

“Therefore, it was not possible to fully ascertain the extent of any harm from the development upon this resource.

“Consequently, it is considered the proposal is an unsustainable development that would not comply with development plan policy or the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework) and is therefore recommended for refusal.”

Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal.

The plans also included a screened-off ground-floor terrace and a seven-space underground car park for the offices. Outside the building was room for two visitor spaces with electric vehicle charging points.

Solar panels would have also been introduced in the offices and houses and a planted tree line would have shielded the entire development from the existing garage if it had been approved.

It’s currently unknown whether Seva Estates will appeal the decision.