A once-derelict building left abandoned for almost 20 years has been transformed into five modern flats.

The five-storey townhouse in Augusta Gardens, Folkestone, had fallen into severe disrepair - with missing floors, foliage growing out of the windows and pigeons as its only occupants.

The former owner was issued with a Section 215 notice by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) - requiring improvements to be made.

Now, after a change in ownership and three years of refurbishment by Browns Construction, it has been brought back to life thanks to a scheme aimed at tackling urban decay.

Run by Kent County Council, the No Use Empty initiative has been supporting the regeneration of abandoned properties for 20 years.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC), one of the scheme’s founding partners, introduced top-up loans in 2014 to assist with particularly challenging projects that require extra funding.

This additional support has proved crucial for transforming larger sites, such as the Augusta Gardens property.

Will Brown, director of Browns Construction, said: “The scheme is great because it gives people a job doing up properties, eliminates eyesores, helps the neighbours out, creates housing and generates council tax bills so it’s a win-win.”

The No Use Empty Plus initiative offers up to an additional £15,000 per residential unit for more difficult projects. This limit is set to rise to £20,000 per unit.

Cllr Rebecca Shoob, FHDC’s cabinet member for housing and homelessness, said: “It’s wonderful that this property has been given a new lease of life after being an eyesore for so long.”

The district council’s leader, Cllr Jim Martin, added: “It has been a difficult project, but it shows – by working in partnership – the public and private sectors can combine to produce fantastic results that benefit everyone by providing much-needed housing, improving local environments, and relieving urban blight.”

Six other properties in Folkestone are currently undergoing refurbishment under the same scheme.