An imposing tower block dominating Folkestone’s skyline for 50 years is set to be levelled in the next few weeks, a housing association has confirmed.

With stunning views of the English Channel, the Pilgrim Spring site, built in the 1960s, housed more than 100 people at the foot of Sugar Loaf Hill, to the north of the town.

Owners Moat Housing said they will begin demolishing the 44 flats to create fresh "affordable" homes.

Company boss Mo Hewison said: “We have received formal building control demolition approval for the site, the demolition planning procedure is currently underway and we anticipate confirmation by the end of August.

“We aim to start the demolition in early September 2018, subject to the planning confirmation.”

Since 2015 the firm maintained the four-storey blocks were not fit for purpose, citing poor heating and ventilation.

And as the last residents were moved on in January, there was public outcry that the district was being gentrified.

The new homes, currently in the conceptual stage will be affordable, according to Moat chief Marian Burke.

However the site, based in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) will likely become plush apartments and penthouses, according to district Cllr Mary Lawes.

Mr Burke said earlier this month: “Moat and Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) are working in close partnership towards the re-provision of affordable housing on the site.”

Cllr Lawes (Ind), ward member for Folkestone Harbour, said: “Are these flats being demolished to rebuild market value homes, and possibly penthouses not for social housing?

"The views from most of these flats are to die for and will in my opinion come at a premium.”

All previous tenants were moved to suitable accommodation Moat asserts, yet some people received inappropriate housing, Cllr Lawes claims.

Works to raze the site down to the foundations, including the 16 garages, should be completed by November.

But so far the housing association hasn’t made clear what kind of homes will take its place.

Ms Hewison continued: “Work will take place between 8am and 6pm on Monday to Friday and between 8am and 1pm on Saturdays and at no time on Sundays and bank holidays.

“We are working with our contractors to ensure that all residents affected by the work are kept informed of progress.”

Affordable housing stock continues to deplete across the district and is a contentious issue across the country.

Pensand House and Marlborough Court on Hythe seafront, housing 56 affordable homes, is lined up for a multi-million pound revamp.

Owners Chelsea Portfolio launched two planning bids to develop the buildings, including six new 'penthouses' on the top of Pensand House.