A unanimous vote saw the controversial Fisherman’s Beach development at Hythe rejected by town councillors.

They threw out the plan for 69 homes, a fish restaurant and Griggs fishmongers, until there is more investigation and concerns raised by various organsiations addressed.

Members of the public packed the Town Hall for the meeting. Those who spoke and questioned the architects were all against the development, raising concerns over the loss of beach, over development and the future of the fishermen.

Architect Guy Hollaway said they had listened to concerns from previous meetings and had changed the plan to move the 1936 lifeboat house rather than demolish it.

Hythe’s rejection will be notified to Shepway council which has the final say on the development.

For full report see next week’s Kentish Express