A proposal to create a 24 hour truck stop near Hythe is expected to be given the green light tonight.

The planning application seeks permission to build a 53 space parking facility for HGVs on the Lympne Industrial Estate, off Otterpool Lane, close to the Spicers of Hythe office.

A lorry wash site already exists on the site.

The plan also includes the erection of an amenity block for drivers, which would house toilets, changing rooms and showers.

A council report on the project notes that it "would not prejudice the long-term objectives of the Otterpool designation", meaning it would not impact on the proposed Otterpool Park housing development, which is planned for nearby land.

As part of the Otterpool scheme, 10,000 houses are planned for land on and around the former Folkestone Racecourse, as well as a new town centre, schools and medical centres.

The council report also says the lorry park would not result in a "significant change in terms of the nature of the use of the site" as it already features a significant number of HGV movements.

Lympne Parish Council (LPC) does not oppose to the principle of the truck stop, but raised several concerns over the application, including who will manage and clean it, increased litter and noise and not enough facilities being provided.

LPC also questioned what will stop drivers parking elsewhere on the estate for free.

Only one letter of objection was received from a resident.

Officers have recommended that the application be approved by members of Folkestone and Hythe District Council's planning committee, who are due to meet tonight (Tuesday).

Planning documents state: "This application seeks planning permission for change of use of a truck wash to provide a 24 hour overnight truck parking facility, including erection of an amenity block, bin store, and the installation of lighting columns.

"The development would not give rise to any harms over and above those associated with the existing operational industrial estate; it would not prejudice delivery of the wider Otterpool allocation; and there are no objections from statutory consultees subject to the conditions set out."

Plans for a new badger sett at Princes Parade in Hythe and for a Romney Marsh care home to be transformed into flats are also expected to be discussed at the same planning meeting.

Read more: All the latest news from Hythe