Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Site and Planning

  • The proposed M&S Foodhall would be located within the former Homebase building at Park Farm Retail Park, Park Farm Road, Folkestone.

  • Two planning applications will be submitted. The first will seek permission to allow the building to be subdivided and to enable food retail sales. The second will be a full planning application covering external works to the building and car park.

  • This will depend on the outcome of the planning process and the construction programme. We anticipate the store would be ready to open Autumn/Winter 2027, subject to approval and timings.

Retail Use and M&S Offering

  • The proposal is for a standalone M&S Foodhall offering the full food product range of 6,600 products, including Remarksable Value, Bigger Pack Better Value, Nutrient Dense and Only...Ingredients. The store will also include flowers and plants, alongside a small range of complementary non-food items such as cars and stationery.

  • The proposed M&S Foodhall will provide c.19,000k sq ft Net Sales Floor Area (GIA c.25,000k sq ft).

  • Yes. Click & Collect facilities will be provided so customers can collect online purchases in store.

Jobs and Economic Benefits

  • The proposed M&S Foodhall would support over 50 new local jobs, alongside additional supply chain and construction roles.

  • Yes. M&S aims to recruit locally when opening new stores, helping ensure employment opportunities benefit the local community. The Marks and Start initiative has supported over 800 young people in the south east region since July 2022 to gain valuable retail experience.

Traffic, Access and Parking

  • The site has been carefully designed to accommodate traffic safely and efficiently. A highways assessment submitted as part of the applications demonstrates that the proposals will not cause adverse impacts. Whilst improved pedestrian access and cycle parking will encourage sustainable travel.

  • The proposals include over 200 parking spaces, including Blue Badge spaces, electric vehicle charging spaces and parent and child parking spaces.

  • Yes. The site is located at Park Farm Retail Park, which is already well connected and served by local bus routes. The proposals will continue to use the existing access arrangements to the retail park.

  • We take our responsibility to the local community seriously. Deliveries will be carefully scheduled to minimise disruption, using designated service areas within the site. This ensures safe and efficient operations whilst keeping impact on surrounding roads to a minimum.

  • A Construction Management Plan will be implemented to ensure minimal disruption, including restricted working hours, designated vehicle routes and safety measures for nearby residents.

Design

  • The proposals include refurbishment of the building façade, new and improved entrances, updated cladding and materials, removal of the existing garden centre, and improvements to the surrounding car park and landscaping. These changes aim to improve the appearance and functionality of the site.

  • No. The proposals include subdividing the former Homebase building into two retail units. The proposed M&S Foodhall would occupy one of these units.

  • Yes. M&S supports charities such as Not Just Any Career, YoungMinds, Bowel Cancer UK, as well as community groups through programmes including Neighbourly and Marks & Start, which helps people facing barriers to employment access opportunities in retail.