Armed forces veterans are being forced to watch on as other people live in their old homes.

That’s according to a relative of residents of The Elizabeth Huggins Cottages, in Gravesend, who were moved out of their bungalows so they could be demolished as they were no longer fit for purpose.

However, work has now stopped on the major redevelopment project to upgrade the homes due to a lack of funding.

A family member, speaking on behalf of the tenants, said: “I think it is just frustration that they were forced out of their homes that they did not want to leave to now see others living in there.

“Some people had agreed to move out while the next phase was built and then move into the new builds.

“But now they are in limbo as they do not know if the works will continue or when.”

The Elizabeth Huggins Cottages Charity had planning permission approved a decade ago to demolish 10 bungalows as they were no longer fit for purpose.

It intended to knock down the 100-year-old buildings in stages and erect around 40 new units made up of cottages, houses and apartments in their place for ex-servicemen.

Work on the first phase of the project, at the junction with Cross Lane West and Wrotham Road, is complete with a new block of 12 flats being built.

Residents living in the bungalows which were to be demolished next, in the second stage of the development, were offered to be rehomed in the new-build flats or were told they would need to make other arrangements.

All tenants are receiving compensation and those who did take up the offer have been moved into the apartments.

However, construction work has stopped and their former homes have not yet been knocked down and are instead being rented to Gravesham council for temporary accommodation.

The family member added: “Their houses are still there being used but they were told they were not fit for purpose. If they are not, why are new people living there?

“Nothing is finished, it is not secure, it is almost like they are still living on a demolition site.

“It feels like they are being abandoned. It has been a huge upheaval for them.”

A letter sent out to residents from the charity said although the redevelopment started when the market and financial climate were stable, during the first phase of construction it took a “downturn”.

It added: “Gravesham Borough Council discovered that immediate support for the completion of the build-out would not be feasible.

“Therefore, the Elizabeth Huggins Cottages Charity is actively exploring alternative financing options and engaging in ongoing discussions with a funding partner, to secure a grant for the completion of our new and improved complex.”

In 2020, the local authority agreed, at a full council meeting, to loan the organisation £2 million to enable the first phase of development to go ahead.

The letter added the local authority had since approached the charity and asked if it could rent the now-empty units for temporary accommodation for the homeless.

It continued: “Recognising the potential for anti-social behaviour if left vacant, the board has opted for this solution to ensure the fair treatment of our residents and the condition of the site.

“Additionally, we considered the option of demolishing the ageing units. However, this would diminish the land value and complicate our quest for a funding partner.

“The decision to let the units to Gravesham Borough Council on a month-by-month basis ensures flexibility.

“As soon as the charity secures the completion of our new complex, notice will be provided and the units will be returned to the charity.

“We are optimistic that funding for the resumption of the building will be secured very soon, and we look forward to updating you on further progress.”

Speaking to KentOnline, a spokesperson for the Elizabeth Huggins Cottages Charity, said it is engaging with potential funding partners so it can resume work on the development.

They added: “It is an unfunded charity whose sole source of income is from the affordable rents paid by residents of our accommodation, all of whom are armed forces veterans.

“Staffed by trustees, who are all volunteers and receive no payment, favour, or compensation of any kind, the charity is working extremely hard to ensure that work continues despite facing increasing costs.”

It is not yet known when work is expected to restart.