A local authority has submitted plans for 11 affordable homes in place of a “dilapidated” row of garages.

A five-storey block of flats on Warwick Road in Canterbury is slated to replace “12 disused garages in very poor condition” in a bid by Canterbury City Council (CCC).

In planning documents, CCC says it has commissioned Bell Phillips to design “attractive one and two-bedroom homes”.

“CCC is aiming to progress a range of development opportunities over several years with the primary objective of delivering social housing-led schemes that offer the council’s residents quality homes and simultaneously contribute to the district’s rich built environment,” the plans tell.

The locale, off Littlebourne Road and near St Martin’s Hospital, sits in a residential neighbourhood where “the immediate context consists of four-storey flats and two-storey houses on the eastern boundary,” the documents state.

The council adds: “The southern boundary is bordered by terraced two-storey houses.

“The western boundary borders Bab’s Hill, a protected open space separated by both a high metal fence and overgrown hedgerow.”

The row of 12 garages are unused and have been boarded up for many years.

All 11 of the flats in the proposed five-storey block will be available via affordable rent schemes.

“The scheme is 100% affordable rent and as such is designed with quality of internal space in mind to ensure that residents can comfortably live and be inspired by the surrounding landscape similar to the artists of old”, planning documents state.

“The proposal is designed to utilise the beauty of the surrounding hills and views to the city which are unique to this location.

“The design is characterised by reflecting the architectural heritage of Canterbury and evoking the spirit of rural architecture.”

It comes as the city council this week confirmed it has spent £10m to purchase 67 new homes which authority bosses hope will reduce waiting lists for social housing.

The Warwick Road block will consist of one-bedroom and two-bedroom flats and both types will have open plan kitchens and living areas.

There was previously planning permission on the site for eight apartments, however those plans were deemed “not cost-effective due to the inclusion of a lift which requires high service,” according to the council.

It is not yet known when CCC will decide on the bid but a deadline of September 26 has been set.