The fate of the redevelopment of an abandoned Debenhams remains up in the air following a huge fire which has seen firefighters battle flames for hours.

Plans to transform the former Debenhams store in Canterbury were first unveiled five years ago, with hopes of seeing the building redeveloped into 74 flats and 12 shops.

But with a blaze taking hold of the already-derelict eyesore late last night, the £25 million project, spearheaded by developer 90North, is almost certain to be significantly impacted – if it happens at all.

More than 50 firefighters battled the flames which engulfed the building overnight while 30 people were evacuated from their flats, with one requiring medical treatment.

Speaking from the scene this morning, the fire service's assistant director of response, Neil Griffiths, described the fire as "significant" and the operation to bring it under control as “complex”.

He said: "Firefighters were met with a significant developing fire.

“Adding to the complexity, it was an old building, full of voids. It was very very difficult to fight the fire.

“I can't stress enough what a great job they did.”

Businesses and residents have been advised to keep windows closed while firefighters continue to extinguish the flames and damp down walls.

Approved in January 2020 when Debenhams was still open, it had been hoped the swift repurposing of the iconic city centre building would provide job opportunities and high-quality accommodation.

Supporters lauded it as “a great example of what can be done” with promises of new stores and flats overlooking the historic setting.

Since then, delays largely thanks to water pollution issues at Stodmarsh and the COVID pandemic have seen costs increase and many become cynical over the chances of seeing the plans come to life.

The issue of water pollution at the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve has also stopped thousands of homes from being built across east Kent.

Natural England has blocked residential schemes from proceeding until a solution is found, or unless developers can come up with satisfactory measures to mitigate the impact of harmful nutrients polluting local water sources.

Speaking about the project in July, developer 90North reaffirmed its commitment to the site though noted work was not due to take place imminently.

“We still want to see the project through and are working very closely with the city council and are going in the right direction,” said asset manager Neil Houghton.

“But we have to solve the Stodmarsh issue, and everyone is working very hard to make that happen.”

That same commitment was not forthcoming this morning, with bosses unavailable to speak to KentOnline about the plans or the fire.

Only two months ago, council bosses first revealed they were nearing a solution to ending the stalemate with Ashford and Canterbury officers teaming up to provide mitigation measures.

It was a move which had been due to begin the process of removing red tape for dozens of developers, including 90North – the firm behind the Debenhams plans.

Stodmarsh delays have already played a major part in the difficulties experienced by a different developer with lofty ambitions for the Nasons site opposite.

Setha Canterbury had been leading efforts to turn Nasons into Biggleston Yard, a shopping centre with flats and a food hall, before it entered receivership in June.

The plot remains up for sale for £6 million, as lenders attempt to recoup funds invested in the scheme.

Last night’s events will only restoke fears Debenhams will end up following the same path.

Canterbury City Council says the redevelopment of both sites is crucial to the health and vitality of the city centre.

“It is why we, as the local planning authority, granted planning permission for the schemes so they could kick into life once a way to protecting the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve is found,” said spokesman Leo Whitlock.

"We are working closely with Kent County Council, Ashford Borough Council and a number of other Kent councils to find an answer to this problem and are straining every sinew.

"That includes the possible creation of wetlands or water meadows that could clean the water as it passes through the system, exploring ways of reducing waste water coming from council homes and pushing the water companies to upgrade their waste water treatment works as quickly as possible.

"And we are in constant dialogue with the government in all of its guises - Defra, DLUHC, Natural England, the Environment Agency and Downing Street - to find a way through.

"Indeed, between us, we secured almost £10 million from central government to help us find an answer across the whole catchment with the eventual aim of restoring conditions at Stodmarsh."

The developer has been contacted for comment.