Work is to start on dozens of new homes on land previously occupied by a derelict 1970s sheltered housing block.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) has been working on plans to redevelop its Oakleigh House site in Watercress Lane since residents moved out in 2020.

The local authority, which owns the 1.4-acre vacant plot, will now provide 54 apartments for the elderly and a further five for adults with learning disabilities.

A total of 50 one-bedroom homes and nine two-bedroom properties will be built on the Ashford site.

The scheme is predicted to cost £17 million and is being carried out to prepare for the needs of the borough's ageing population.

The old Oakleigh House, and its adjacent block of flats known as the 'Star Block', was originally built in the 1970s.

They were then demolished and cleared by contractors two years ago.

It previously comprised 32 flats but had become dated and hard to maintain, having been described as a "maze of narrow, dark corridors on different levels and not ideal for those with mobility impairments".

Yet despite concerns regarding nutrient neutrality holding up the 59-home project, work is now set to get underway after the application was given the nod approved by planning officers.

The development - arranged around two open courtyards - will comprise two parcels of land opposite each other in Watercress Lane.

The main building will have 54 apartments for older people living independently, with communal spaces arranged over three floors.

It will also include a covered terrace with views into the courtyard, a hair and therapy suite and mobility scooter parking.

Meanwhile, the second block will provide supported housing for adults with learning disabilities and will consist of three flats arranged over two floors and two single-storey wheelchair-accessible apartments.

ABC leader and portfolio holder for housing and homelessness, Cllr Noel Ovenden, believes Oakleigh House will provide several benefits.

The representative for Wye with Hinxhill said: “Our approach to modernising our sheltered housing stock is delivering wonderful results for the borough’s older residents and I’m excited to see that Oakleigh House is set to follow the same template as Farrow Court, Danemore and others.

“These schemes place residents at the centre of our design. They are involved in the discussions about remodelling and they are the beating heart of our schemes.

"We are so proud of the quality of our new home - from each redevelopment we learn new things that can then be put into practice in the next project.”