Richborough cooling towers, one of east Kent's most iconic landmarks, are coming down.

Last night, members of Thanet District Council's planning committee agreed unanimously to approve the demolition of the three towers and a chimney.

The towers are expected to be demolished next month, but a date has not yet been set.

Built in the late 1950s, the towers at Richborough Power Station burnt coal which was dug in Kent's mines. The power station was decommissioned in 1996.

Demolition of the towers, near Sandwich, will enable the power station site to be regenerated.

Gary Lever, development director of BFL Management Ltd, which owns the site, said: "We welcome the unanimous decision of the planning committee to grant consent for the demolition of the towers, enabling the regeneration of the site. This is an important endorsement of the principle that the site should be brought back into productive use.

"We will continue to work closely with the council and with UK Power Networks to plan for the demolition at the earliest possible date, subject to the conditions of the planning permission."

BFL has been working closely with Thanet and Dover district councils to ensure the demolition plans meet safety and environmental protection conditions.

Mr Lever added: "The protection of surrounding wildlife habitat and neighbouring properties is of paramount concern to BFL Management and our contractors."