Planning application
26/0449/FH/PA
Folca, 48-66 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 1DW
Proposal
Application for Prior Approval under Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for the change of use of part of the former department store from commercial, business and service use (Class E) to 17no. dwellings to residential use (Class C3).
As published by the council, reference 26/0449/FH/PA
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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20 Mar 2026
Received by Folkestone and Hythe
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4 Jun 2026
Decision issued: Prior Approval is Granted
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26 Jul 2026
Added to PlanIndex
What a grant of permission means
The process from here
Permission has been granted, usually subject to conditions listed on the decision notice, some of which must be discharged before work starts. The decision notice on the council portal sets out exactly what was approved.
Work must normally begin within three years of the decision or the permission lapses. Neighbours cannot appeal a grant; challenging one means judicial review of how the decision was made, within tight time limits.
About prior approval applications
How this application type works
Prior approval applications arise where permitted development rights already grant the principle of the work, such as larger home extensions, changes of use to housing or agricultural buildings. The council may only consider the specific matters set out in the rules, for example transport, flooding or appearance, and in many classes the work may proceed if the council does not respond within the deadline, commonly 56 days.
Nearby applications
Within 500 metres
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26/1212/FH/PA Awaiting decision
Folca, 48-66 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 1DW
Application for Prior Approval under Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for the change of use of part of the former department store from commercial, business and service use (Class E) to 21no. dwellings to residential use (Class C3).
-
26/1177/FH Awaiting decision
Folca, 48-66, Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 1DW
Installation of skylights on the top floor.
-
26/1113/FH Awaiting decision
Folca, 48-66, Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 1DW
External alterations comprising the replacement & installation of windows, extension & alteration of existing shopfront glazing, installation of Juliet balconies, retention & restoration of existing stained glass windows, installation of conservation-style roof lights, and all associated external works.
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25/1725/FH Granted
43 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 1RZ
Proposed Listed Building Consent for removal and replacement of existing signage.
-
25/1919/FH Refused
Telephone Box Opposite, 67 Sandgate Road, Folkestone CT20 1RY
Installation of 1no. BT street hub, incorporating 2no. digital 75" LCD advert screens, and associated BT phone kiosk removals.
-
26/0166/FH Granted
GROUND FLOOR BUSINESS PREMISES, 14 SANDGATE ROAD, FOLKESTONE, CT20 1DP
Advertisement consent for installation of fascia signage.
Other prior approval applications
In Folkestone and Hythe
-
26/1212/FH/PA Awaiting decision
Folca, 48-66 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 1DW
Application for Prior Approval under Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for the change of use of part of the former department store from commercial, business and service use (Class E) to 21no. dwellings to residential use (Class C3).
-
26/0920/FH/PA Granted
22 & 24 Cheriton Gardens, Folkestone, CT20 2AS
Determination as to whether the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority is required under Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for the change of use & conversion from commercial, business and service (Class E) to 9 x 1 bed flats (Class C3).
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26/0912/FH/PA Granted
Eversley House, 19 Horn Street, Hythe, CT21 5SB
Determination as to whether the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority is required under Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for the change of use & conversion from commercial, business and service (Class E) to 6 x 2 bed & 2 x 1 bed flats, and associated cycle and refuse storage (Class C3).
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26/0713/FH/PA Granted
74 Tontine Street, Folkestone, CT20 1JP
Determination as to whether the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority is required under Class MA of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) for a partial change of use of the upper floors from commercial, business and service (Use Class E) to 1 residential flat (Class C3).
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26/0810/FH/PA Granted
Longland Farm, Exted Hill, Elham, Canterbury, CT4 6UD
Determination as to whether the prior approval of the Local Planning Authority is required under Schedule 2, Part 6, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 for the extension to an agricultural building.