by Tricia Jamieson

Controversial plans for a multimillion-pound Sainsbury's superstore at a small Kent town have finally got the go-ahead.

Work should start soon on transforming the former Smiths Medical Industries site in Military Road, Hythe, into a 5,573 sq m supermarket with parking for 267 vehicles.

Opponents to the scheme had expressed concern about the size of the building, the need for it, and the effect on the nearby High Street.

But Sainsbury’s says 63 per cent of Hythe people leave the town to shop and it wants to stop that.

Shepway council's development control committee voted by nine to four in favour of the scheme.

After the meeting Harriet Houlihan, Sainsbury’s development surveyor for the south east, said: "Not only will the proposals deliver increased food shopping choice for Hythe residents, but they will also help to revitalise this part of town and create a significant number of new jobs.

"We look forward to work starting on site shortly."

David Plumstead, of Shepway Environment and Community Network, which had opposed the plans, said: "I am shocked by the decision and the lack of seriousness and attention the councillors gave to the information that was before them."

The plans had earlier been deferred by the committee for Sainsbury’s to look again at the impact on homes in Military Terrace, whether the location of the store and car park could be switched around, staff parking, the impact on town-centre shops, and the design.

Planning consultant Dr Wendy Le-Las, speaking on behalf of objectors, described the store as a "monstrosity".

She said shoppers would not walk into town to use the High Street as Sainsbury’s would undercut prices.

However, Sezen Zeki, from the Channel Chamber of Commerce, spoke in favour of the supermarket and said it was good for people looking for work as about 300 jobs would be created.

Permission was granted subject to a number of conditions, including Sainsbury’s providing funding for double glazing in Military Terrace and encouraging linked trips to the High Street.