Work to knock down five prominent blocks of flats in Folkestone could begin in just a few weeks time, if plans for demolition are agreed by the council.

A notification has been submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) for the four-storey buildings in Pilgrim Spring to be razed to the ground.

The report has been put forward by applicants Moat housing association, who intend to create new 'affordable' residential units in its place.

In documents to the council the agent, construction consultants Martin Arnold Ltd, said: "The existing buildings are currently void as they are not fit for purpose, in its current void state it poses a security risk for the owner Moat Homes and more importantly the surrounding area.

"Following the demolition of the site, the site will be redeveloped and will remain residential and in keeping with the surrounding area.

"Most of the non-hazardous materials will be crushed on site and will be re-used to level the site... All hazardous material such as asbestos waste will be disposed at a fully licensed hazardous landfill site."

The 44 flats currently situated at numbers 30 to 73 Pilgrim Spring were constructed in the late 1960s for residential use, but were found to have a number of issues worsened by its design.

They are considered to have poor heating, ventilation and insulation.

A spokesman for Moat informed that the decision to demolish the site down to and including the foundations was made in 2015 and by January this year, all residents had been moved to suitable alternative accommodation.

They also confirmed that they have been working closely with Folkestone and Hythe District Council and the council’s environmental health team on the properties.

The spokesman said: "Work will commence at the beginning of September on the demolition of the building to ground level, including all 16 garages.

"Demolition work is expected to be completed by November 2018, providing all goes according to plan."

Jacqui Mead, town councillor for the Folkestone East ward, had mixed emotions about the future for the site: "We had suspected that this would be redeveloped.

"As long as they are kept as social and affordable housing, this should go ahead."

Marian Burke, director of strategic asset investment at Moat, said: "Going forward, Moat and Folkestone and Hythe District Council are actively working in close partnership towards the re-provision of affordable housing on the site."

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