A well-known factory has been knocked down ahead of work to construct a building merchant.

Quinn Estates got permission last month to build the new business on the ex-Houchin site in Hilton Road on Cobbs Wood, Ashford .

For 70 years, the site hosted a factory which manufactured parts for the aviation industry.

Upon its closure in December 2014, 47 jobs were lost.

The building has remained dormant since, and a permitted 2017 planning application never came to fruition.

It has now been demolished to make way for an open warehouse and four smaller trade units, creating 15 jobs.

Up to 20 car parking spaces will also be installed.

Despite some concerns over an increase in traffic, a council report suggested it would be a good replacement for the previous asbestos-ridden structure.

Moreover there were no objections from Kent Highways regarding an increase in traffic.

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