Two abandoned Nissen huts used to store tanks in the Second World War could become quirky homes after new plans were put forward.

The structures sit hidden among trees on the edge of Boughton Aluph, just off A251 Faversham Road near Ashford.

They were initially built as part of a military vehicle storage and servicing yard, but have more recently been used for agricultural and commercial storage and as a recycling centre.

There are five in total – three smaller huts, and two larger ones – but all are now sat empty.

Developers Thomas Bates and Sons Limited want to turn two of the redundant buildings into two separate homes while “preserving their identity as non-designated heritage assets”.

The vaulted shells of the huts would be repaired but remain largely untouched as prefabricated rooms would be placed inside.

The applicants say the lightweight modules are designed to fit through the shells and would be shifted into place.

As part of the plan, which has been submitted to Ashford Borough Council, a derelict shed and a former creosote bath will be removed alongside rubble from a fallen caravan.

In recent years, there have been a number of failed attempts to convert some of the buildings into homes.

Under the fresh plans, the two homes, which would each have three bedrooms, would be located at the back of the site.

Developers say the whole idea of the scheme is to repurpose the abandoned site so it can be used for homes as well as recreation.

As part of the plan, information points curated by historians will be installed, detailing the site’s history.

It is hoped locals will visit alongside larger groups who will be able to book a visit by appointment.

The entrance to the site – called Rook Toll – would be through its current access point onto Faversham Road. No trees will be cut down under the plans.

The site forms part of the Eastwell Park estate, home to the Champneys-owned Eastwell Manor hotel.

During the Second World War the park was used as a secret testing ground for the flame-throwing tank.

The army took over Eastwell in 1940 and troops were trained there throughout the conflict.