Preparation work has started at a disused car park to build two 12-storey apartment blocks containing 172 flats.

Workers have been spotted drilling into the ground at the site in Mote Road, Maidstone.

A planning application was first submitted in December 2020 and eventually approved in July 2022.

It proposed the demolition of Shandon House, a small office building on Padsole Lane, as well as the redevelopment of a private car park.

The space was previously let to businesses in nearby office buildings but has had limited use in recent years.

It had been earmarked by Maidstone council as one of five priority regeneration areas across the town.

In June, Strawberry Star Group completed a deal to buy the brownfield land and take over the project.

They are a development and management company, specialising in build-to-rent properties across London and the home counties.

Pictures taken from a nearby flat show several diggers and engineers working on site.

One resident says it started last Monday (March 18) and believes they are putting in mains drains.

Strawberry Star Group confirmed it has been undertaking some preparation works at the site over the last couple of weeks.

It is not yet known when construction will begin

A vision statement says the development will “champion good design and provide high-quality public realm and urban living, offering homes and opportunities to work.”

Planners have given the green light to build two 12-storey apartment blocks.

It will consist of 172 flats, each with a balcony.

A mix of 78 one-bedroom, 84 two-bedroom and 10 three-bedroom homes will be available.

1,169 sqm of commercial space has been allocated for businesses on the ground and first floor of both buildings.

There will also be 47 parking spaces, four delivery bays and a cycle storage station.

To see more planning applications and other public notices for your area, click here.

Vehicles will access the site via Mote Road, with a ramp down to the lower ground floor level for parking and service areas.

A communal garden and roof terraces are to be built and used by residents.

Some areas, including a walkthrough, will be available to the general public.