A new furniture store has moved into an empty town centre unit - even though the site is earmarked for demolition.

Home Needs Furniture has taken the ex-Argos building in New Rents, Ashford, which is one of six shops set to be knocked down to make way for a 92-bed hotel.

But owner Sam David says this is not an issue as his store is only temporary while he tests the market in Ashford.

If all goes well, he hopes to open a permanent store in the high street.

The 41-year-old from London explained: “The landlord said it would be knocked down in about a year's time and that is long enough to judge whether this is a good or a bad area.

“We do modern furniture with different types of dining tables, wardrobes, and beds.

“I want to see how the area is. If the area is good, I will open a permanent shop.

“On the high street there are a lot of shops that are empty so if I find a shop more suitable for me I will take it.”

Mr David is only occupying part of the unit, but plans to expand into the other half next week.

Plans for the three to four-star hotel in New Rents were first put forward by developers SPPF Ltd in July 2020, and were approved two years later.

Wooden hoardings surrounding the site were put up in February but were taken down two months later as the development continued to be impacted by water quality issues with the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve near Canterbury.

Work has never progressed but a new application to demolish six retail units in the street was submitted to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) last month.

Planning statements lodged by architects Blue Ridge Designs, on behalf of applicants Whathi Limited, state knocking down the existing properties will "speed up the development process of this important site".

The shops, which were built in 1978, were last occupied by Game, British Heart Foundation, KPC Events, Betfred, and HomePlus Furniture.

All five have since closed with only the PDSA charity still trading ahead of an anticipated move to County Square shopping centre.

When built, the ground floor of the new hotel is set to form the reception area as well as an additional bar and restaurant.

The first and second floors of the unit are planned exclusively for hotel use, while the third floor is to be a mix of hotel and residential.

Meanwhile, the fourth storey is scheduled solely for flats.

Although the operator of the hotel is still not known, it is expected to offer three to four-star accommodation.