A long-standing homeware store is being torn down to make way for a proposed 16-storey building.

Diggers have moved in on the former B&Q and HomePlus site in Beaver Road, Ashford.

Ashford Borough Council’s own property company, A Better Choice for Property Ltd, bought the land from the Southern Housing Group in 2019.

It revealed plans to redevelop the spot last year, but its controversial ‘Ashford Shard’ scheme was sent back to the drawing board last month by ABC’s planning committee.

Despite the setback, contractors are still knocking down the site so it "can be safely cleared and made ready for redevelopment".

In a statement released earlier this month, a spokesman for A Better Choice for Property Ltd said the company was disappointed the council’s planning committee – which deferred the scheme – could not agree with the recommendation to permit the development.

He said the company would now “consider options for taking the scheme forward”.

The 223-home development would see nine townhouses and two apartment blocks built as well as a rooftop restaurant, three commercial units and offices.

Earlier this week, KentOnline revealed how the new HomePlus store in New Rents is also facing demolition.

Bosses have taken over the former Argos unit in the town centre which closed in 2018, but it is now set to be redeveloped as part of plans for a 92-bed hotel, bar and restaurant.

Game, PDSA, Betfred and British Heart Foundation are also due to be flattened, as well as the former Pet Essentials store.

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