Developers behind plans for a 92-bed town centre hotel have pulled down hoardings around the site as the project has been stalled by water quality issues.

The wooden boundary was erected in New Rents Ashford just two months ago ahead of the demolition of a row of shops that currently occupies the plot.

But the panels were removed last week after those behind the development - which will include 10 flats - were told it cannot proceed until pollution issues with the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve are addressed.

The protected beauty spot near Canterbury has been affected by wastewater run-off from developments across east Kent causing high levels of harmful nitrate and phosphate nutrients.

As a result, rules set down by Natural England insist developers must ensure all schemes in the River Stour catchment area are “nutrient neutral” - either by having an on-site water treatment facility or offsetting the impact by providing mitigation measures elsewhere, such as wetlands.

Ashford Borough Council says those behind the New Rents development have yet to resolve the issue.

A spokesman explained: “Planning permission for the hotel development was resolved to be granted back in 2022, subject to resolution of the nutrient neutrality issue which still remains the case.

“The applicant erected the hoardings in preparation for demolition of the existing buildings. However, the development cannot take place until the above issue has been resolved.”

The hotel, which was given the green light two years ago, was designed by award-winning architect Guy Hollaway, who drew up the plans on behalf of developer SPPF Ltd.

When work is able to start, SPPF Ltd will knock down six shops to make way for the scheme, which will feature 10 flats on the top floor.

PDSA - the last remaining tenant in the row of shops - remains open but bosses are hoping to move to a unit inside County Square shopping centre.

Once empty, contractors are expected to take the roof off the buildings as part of the first phase of demolition.

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

The operator of the hotel is not yet known, but it will offer three to four-star accommodation.

Parking will not be provided for hotel guests, but bosses say there is an agreement in place with the operators of the County Square car park to allow visitors to use that facility.

Twelve parking spaces are proposed on the site for residents living in the flats.

Planning documents say the ground floor of the building will form the reception area for the hotel, as well as featuring a bar and restaurant.

The first and second floors of the unit will be for hotel use, with the third floor earmarked for mixed hotel and residential, and the fourth floor exclusively for residential.

Last year, New Rents traders said their street had become an eyesore as they continued to wait for work to start on the project.

SPPF Ltd has been approached for comment.