By Alex Keir

Residents have voiced their frustration that a “ghastly looking” former town centre Aldi remains empty, six years after the chain moved out.

Those living and working in Hythe are still holding out hope that the site, which has fallen into disrepair, will be redeveloped in the near future.

Plans were first lodged to transform the empty supermarket in 2022, when developer In5 Group shared its vision for 35 flats and a series of shops.

Concerns about the “modern box-like design” forced the firm back to the drawing board, with new images released in July of that year receiving a more positive reaction.

Last year however, a third set of designs were unveiled for the prime town centre site, which has remained vacant since Aldi left in 2019 and moved to a new purpose-built site down the road.

Those designs presented a drastically different look to the frontage onto the high street.

However, a year on and a decision has still yet to be made by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), and the shop remains empty.

Speaking to KentOnline, residents and shoppers raised concerns over the state of the site and what its future holds.

Rob and Theresa Howell - who regularly visit Hythe to walk their dogs - described the current venue as “ghastly looking”, adding: “It looks so ugly. It’s not in keeping with the town.”

Mrs Howell said: “It’s a massive area and if they’re so desperate for housing, this seems to be a good place to do it if it means not carving so much of the countryside.”

Anthony Burton, 22 and from Greatstone, said: “I find it unusual that such a big place which is built for food or anything like that is being left here wasted.”

Others revealed how they are keen to see the site renovated.

Linda Bull - who has lived in Hythe for most of her life - said: “We’ve got no shops for us to go in and browse, all we have is pubs.

“I wouldn’t mind a nice social club where they cater for our age, where they do bingo and old-fashioned dances.”

Jacqueline Wilson said she hopes the property will be used to help residents in the area.

“We want a marketplace for us, where shops from the high street can go in as well,” she added.

“We definitely want something for the community there.”

Others suggested the large plot could be used to display the abundance of talent in the town.

Manish Utton-Mishra - owner of micro-smokery Cured and Smoked - said: “It’s a big site and most businesses can’t afford to take it on.

“My first thought would be a big, big food hall with lots of different traders.

“With a site of that size, there’s so many creative people around here who offer ridiculously low prices on things that could benefit from a place like this.”

Hythe Town Council is hoping that the building finds a new purpose soon, with town clerk Julie Abbott adding: “We are keen to see it occupied as soon as possible with something that will benefit the whole community of Hythe.”

Over the last year, loose guttering has been seen hanging from the former store, sparking fears it could fall and injure pedestrians.

In April, a pick-up truck was spotted at the site, with items removed from inside the building.

Vandals have also sprayed graffiti on the building, with one reading “Big up Aldi” in capital letters.

It is not known when a decision will be made on the latest application for the site.

The portfolio for the redevelopment project appears on the website for Discover Architecture, founded by Jon Beswick.

Mr Beswick told KentOnline “multiple design revisions have been sent to the council” and says a “positive outcome” is still hoped for by the developers.

A spokesman for FHDC said: “We’re currently considering the latest planning application to convert the building into residential and commercial uses and awaiting further information from the applicant.”

In5 Group was approached for comment.