A decision has finally been made to knock down a derelict block of flats neighbours have branded an “eyesore”.

The boarded-up building in Leonard Avenue, Swanscombe, has been earmarked for demolition since 2022 due to structural issues which were financially unviable to repair.

An independent structural review commissioned by Dartford council recommended it would be more cost-effective to knock the 16 apartments down instead of fixing the issues.

Problems included dampness in the rafters and joists, movement and cracking in the ceilings and windows and faulty foundations caused by soft clay.

Last year, the local authority, which owns and manages the property, agreed to rehouse the tenants, offering them a one-off payment of £7,800 as compensation for moving out.

The proposed demolition, which is expected to cost £300,000, was due to be authorised at a council meeting in September but a decision was postponed as while most residents took the money, one refused to budge.

However, it is understood the tenant has now accepted a new home and is in the process of moving out.

At a cabinet meeting last Thursday (October 24), members finally agreed to start the process of demolishing the building and will now look to appoint a contractor to carry out the works.

The funding for the project will be moved from the council’s revenue contribution to capital budgets.

Ward councillor for Swanscombe, Claire Pearce (Lab), who had called for Dartford council to improve building checks after the subsidence issues, has since welcomed the decision.

She said: “When the news first broke that there were issues with the flats and the residents were going to be moved out it caused a lot of worry in the local area, so we are very happy that progress is finally being made.

”Neither Cllr Ben Moussa nor myself have any knowledge as yet of the future plans for the site once the flats have been demolished.

“But, we have made sure that the council remains engaged with local residents and have asked for a letter to be sent out to all those living around the site prior to the demolition beginning to keep them up to date.”

At the cabinet meeting, it was agreed that if any alternative options are proposed for the land they will need to be discussed before being decided on.

Neighbours previously said they were keen to see the “eyesore” building dealt with as soon as possible but feared more flats would be built in its place.

Husband-and-wife Jim and Miranda Richards have lived near the apartments for 23 years and hope the land will be used for communal activities.

Jim said: “We do not want it to be a concrete jungle. It will look so bleak.

“There is a great sense of community here. It would be nice to have a grassy area with benches where you can enjoy being outside and bring out some deckchairs and picnics like we used to do.”