Developers behind an eyesore plot earmarked for new flats where construction is yet to begin six years after planning permission was granted are selling the land.

The former builders' yard in Black Bull Road, Folkestone, has sat derelict and boarded up for several years but has been labelled as an “ideal asset” for potential bidders.

The 200sq m site is now on the market for £300,000 and includes planning permission agreed in 2018.

As some of the work has already commenced a new owner will be free to take over the reins immediately, agents say.

But building work on the approved scheme has not started despite the site being cleared.

Marketed by Folkestone-based Motis Estates, it has been described as “ideal for affordable housing in Black Bull Road”.

The agents added: “It will be an ideal asset for a developer to purchase the site, which has been a blight on the corner of Black Bull Road for many years.

“The current owner has discharged all planning conditions and commencement of works have begun; therefore, a new owner can start without delay.”

Previously, Sandgate firm Roma Capital looked to turn the site into flats.

The plans put forward in 2018 would provide four one-bedroom and four two-bedroom apartments across the top four floors.

Ground-level space would be designated as a shared utility area with cycle and bin storage.

Each flat would also include its own Juliet balcony.

Documents prepared by Cad Solutions on behalf of the applicant stated the plans hoped to bring a “modern design to enhance the local environment”.

The agents added: “Every effort has been made to fit this new development into the location by incorporating some traditional features and a quality design, including brick detailing and Juliet balconies.

“The modern style of design has been chosen to enhance the local environment and to sit well within the neighbouring properties, allowing the profiles of the existing architecture still to be seen from afar.”

No accommodation has been permitted at the ground floor level due to the risk of flooding due to the nearby Pent Stream, which runs underground.

The Environment Agency did not raise objections to the application but highlighted that FHDC’s planning officers should acknowledge the danger when considering the application.

Officers at the council approved the scheme placing conditions on the scheme, including a requirement that work would start on-site within three years.

As demolition works have already taken place, the new owner will not be troubled by the conditions placed on the application.

FHDC’s planning report, issued ahead of the scheme’s approval in 2018, stated: "The site's existing presentation is poor, and it is commonly used for fly-tipping, creating an untidy appearance within the street scene.

“The site is in a prominent position and, therefore, is having a harmful impact on the overall character and quality of the surrounding area.

“The proposal is considered to enhance the overall quality of the area and, whilst of a more contemporary design than surrounding development, would incorporate the use of the red brick that is common to the area.

"The scheme provides wider sustainability benefits as it would improve the character of the area and improve the street scene by providing low-value homes on a brownfield site in an urban area.”

FHDC also had no concerns about overlooking neighbouring properties.