Traders have welcomed plans for new homes to replace a "great big hole" which has blighted a town centre for seven years.

Plans for 15 flats in Folkestone's Guildhall Street have been approved on the site of a former tanning shop.

Business owners hope the development will cover up the "very sad" gap in the street, as well as bringing more footfall.

Adrian Woods, who owns the Sorting Gifts shop just two doors down from the vacant land, told KentOnline: "The empty space needs to be filled. It has been letting the street down so badly.

"It has been derelict for so long and we have been waiting for something to be done with it.

"It will be great to have it finally done."

Owner of Books and Toys, Sharen Bell, said: "The space at the moment looks very sad compared to the rest of the street.

"It’s a shame nothing has been done sooner.

"If the flats are needed I have no problem with it because it's certainly going to look better than a great big hole in the street."

Before its demolition in 2016, the space was home to Folkestone Toning & Tanning, which was "left in despair due to the economic situation", planning documents state.

The application for 15 flats was approved in March 2022 and work on the site has already started, with fencing and toilets being installed on the plot.

Two four-storey buildings are to be erected, one fronting Guildhall Street and another fronting St Eanswythe Way, containing a mix of one- and two-bed homes.

In a second application, submitted last month, developer Leo Griggs has now requested permission for a further two flats, taking it from 15 to 17.

Mr Griggs told KentOnline these new homes will be a great addition to the regeneration of Folkestone's town centre

"We have started work on the front lot as we have approval for the 15 flats and are waiting on the approval for the other two," he added.

As well as providing new homes, local businesses hope the project will help increase footfall.

Mel Ellse, who works in Re:Stock, said: "We have loads of shops open down this street, but no one here to use them.

"I think its completely necessary for these flats to be built. We need the people here to come and use our shops!"

Mr Griggs' development company, Livingston Homes, decided to take on the project as he told KentOnline the previous owner "could not get it going".

Livingston Homes is also behind the scheme to transform the Royal Victoria Hospital, in Radnor Park Avenue.