A derelict site prone to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour could be transformed into a council housing estate surrounded by picturesque parkland.

Ashford Borough Council is consulting on plans to redevelop the overgrown land in the town’s Eastmead Avenue.

Early proposals suggest the plot could host 35 affordable homes and a small number of commercial units for start-up businesses.

The housing would be council-built and council-owned homes.

Elsewhere on the site would be a parkland area complete with imposing trees and water features, and a community project aimed at combating isolation in older people.

A council spokesman said: “With community projects and the delivery of affordable housing as the main drivers, we are keen to explore a range of uses for this unused piece of land to turn it into something meaningful and practical for local residents.

“This is simply the first of two informal consultations where we will seek the views of local residents and businesses and, so far, feedback has been very constructive and the vast majority of people feel something should be done to make it a much more user-friendly space.”

The plot is currently divided into two, with land previously used for allotments to the west of the site, while to the east there is hard standing last used by the Coneybeare Engineering Company.

The residential element of the scheme, which includes houses, flats and town houses, would help fund other improvements on the site.

One aspect would be an area for the Community Sheds Project - also referred to as ‘Shedders’ and ‘Men in Sheds - which aims to tackle isolation and loneliness in older people, providing them with a space to meet with each other.

There would also be a commercial area comprising “sensitively-clad” shipping containers for small business start-ups to trade.

Vehicles could enter the site from Eastmead Avenue, although overgrown shrubbery would need to be cleared to assess this option.

Cllr Andrew Buchanan - the portfolio holder for housing - said: “There are currently around 1,500 people on our waiting list for affordable housing.

“Like every other authority in the UK, we must do our bit to try and alleviate the housing issues that we face, and we are committed to delivering as much affordable housing as possible.

“These are very exciting and bold plans that will transform this derelict area of land and I would urge local residents to have their say and help us to shape the final proposals.”

Council bosses are preparing for the second of three public consultations, as they consider the results of the first, which ended last month.

A council spokesman said: “We are grateful to everyone who took the time to respond to the first stage of our consultation process as it is only by hearing those views that we can appreciate the thoughts and concerns of local residents.

“It is fair to say from the responses reviewed to date that the vast majority of people who responded were pleased that something positive will happen to the land.

“We will take some time to consider specific responses around the various uses proposed and matters such as parking and access.

“In due course, once we have had time to consider the points made, a second round of consultation will take place ahead of any planning application being submitted.

“There is as yet no date set for this but all local residents will be notified.”