A derelict church in Dover destined to become flats is back up at auction, and its price has been slashed in half.

The former St Columba United Reformed Church, in High Street, was listed by land and property auctioneers Clive Emson last April with guide price of £450,000 to £500,000.

It is now back on the market, with a new guide price of £250,000, having not sold last year.

The church, which caught fire in 2007, already has planning permission to be converted into 16 homes.

This would be a mix of one-bedroom flats, two-bedroom flats and two-bedroom maisonettes, built over four floors.

A garden area is also included.

Details from Clive Emson website read: "A substantial former church situated on the main thoroughfare through Dover town centre and now with permissions for conversion to provide 16 self-contained apartments.

"The church was originally constructed in 1904 but suffered fire damage during a previous conversion.

"The site is well located for the town centre's local amenities and mainline railway station."

The building is currently covered in scaffolding, which is not included in the sale.

Instead, the seller will either dismantle it prior to completion, or negotiate a sale or rental agreement with the new buyer.

Jon Rimmer, auction appraiser, added: “This is a substantial building with permission for 16 flats.

“The property has been damaged by fire, but we understand it has been secured structurally.

“Church conversions have become popular and they are, by design, statement buildings and often situated central to a town or village.

“This is a handsome building and we anticipate developers and builders being attracted to it.”

The sale will be held on Wednesday, February 9.