Parts of the former brickworks in Woodnesborough have already been sold to be converted into homes.

Quinn Estates is developing Hammill Brickworks, the site of the old Woodnesborough Colliery, into 19 houses, eight of which have already been sold before construction.

There will also be six commercial units converted from two historic engine sheds, with a potential to create 40 new jobs.

The site will provide 2,352sqm of commercial floor space.

Cllr Paul Watkins, leader of Dover District Council, said: “This is an excellent example of how we work with private developers to transform brownfield sites to create new residential and employment space, while at the same time respecting the district’s rich heritage.”

It was built in 1910 as a colliery but was never operational. It was connected to the East Kent Light Railway which transported coal to the site.

After the First World War, it was acquired by the Ministry of Defence who sold it to Pearson, Dormer & Long, and eventually came into the ownership of Hammill Brick Company.

A brickworks was constructed on the site from some of the existing buildings, before it closed in 2008.

Quinn Estates has carried out extensive remediation work, providing opportunities for local companies like Aylesham-based Datum Groundworks Ltd.

The layout, scale and appearance of the commercial units is still to be approved by Dover District Council.

Mark Quinn, managing director, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering these exciting new developments in the Dover district which meet the council’s objectives for a wider range of housing and employment space.

“Our plans for Albert Road in Deal are progressing with an excellent response to the proposals at our consultation at Deal Town Hall.”

Plans at Albert Road include housing, a food store, and children’s nursery.

It is also seeking planning consent to build 73 homes at the Salvatori site in Preston, near Sandwich.