Plans to turn a former church into homes have been rejected over concerns about “unacceptable” living standards and impact on the surrounding area.

Proposals were submitted earlier this year by Donald Holden to convert the South Kent Christian Community Church in Cheriton Road, Folkestone, into two residential properties.

The site, which has been empty for more than six years and on the market for four-and-a-half years without success, would have been transformed into a two-bedroom house and a one-bedroom home.

However, Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has refused the application, saying the development would not provide a good enough living environment for future residents.

The council’s decision was based on three key issues.

First, the design of the larger two-bedroom house included windows that would have been overlooked by neighbouring properties, raising concerns about privacy for future occupants.

Bedrooms on the mezzanine floor would only have been lit by roof windows, further limiting outlook and natural light.

The development would therefore result in an “unacceptable” standard of living for future occupants.

“There has been no demand for the building as a commercial or community space…”

The planning officers' report also stated the proposed garden areas for both homes were too small and would not provide enough private outdoor space.

This was seen as a major flaw that would impact the quality of life for residents.

Finally, the plans included placing cycle and bin storage at the front of the property, which the council felt would create a “cluttered and obtrusive” look that would harm the appearance of the street.

The church has stood empty since it closed its doors more than six years ago.

Mr Holden’s proposal aimed to breathe new life into the building while preserving many of its original architectural features.

The main entrance was to retain its full height, with the gothic arch window and king post truss forming a key part of the design.

The two-bedroom house would have included a seating area on the mezzanine level with a view of the truss and window, while the church hall would have been turned into a single-storey one-bedroom home, described as suitable for an elderly or disabled person.

To create more outdoor space, the plans also included demolishing an existing lean-to structure between the church and the hall.

Mr Holden had argued the development would provide much-needed housing while contributing positively to the town’s character and social mix.

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“There has been no demand for the building as a commercial or community space,” he said.

“This proposal will help bring much-needed housing to the area while preserving the character of the church.”

Despite these ambitions, FHDC concluded the proposals fell short of acceptable living standards and would negatively affect the look and feel of the neighbourhood.