A derelict convenience shop branded an eyesore in the heart of a village and attracting vandalism could be replaced by new homes.

Costcutter in St Michaels near Tenterden closed in 2017 but plans have now been proposed for two cottage-style homes at the former retail premises.

Newly submitted designs would see two detached homes built on the site in Ashford Road, which is also known as New Blue Barn Store. One would be a three-bedroom house and the other would be a three- or four-bedroom home, both with gardens and parking.

Residents have welcomed the application and bid to overhaul the area, although not all agree houses would be a good idea.

Bell Case, who lives in Swaine Road, says more houses would be a good thing as it is encouraging people to the area.

"I do not personally mind, it looks run down at the moment," she said.

"I would rather see something done to it because it does not look good as it is and it is quite hazardous because of the smashed windows and in the summer it becomes overgrown and quite dangerous.

"Leaving it empty is more likely to cause trespassing and vandalism.

"We are an urban area so it does not make any sense to leave it empty.

"It will bring more families to the area which is nice. A shop or houses would be better than what it is at the moment."

Another resident said she personally would not choose to live in a house due to how busy the road is.

"It gets really loud along this road - I would not want to live in a house there," she said.

"It is an eyesore now but it shouldn't be houses, it needs to be something different which people can visit. There's already a shop not far up the road."

Chris Brown says it would make sense for the former retail site to be converted into homes because of the post office nearby.

"I do not think the area can support two shops," he said.

"Houses would be better, especially if they are affordable houses."

Another resident named Gill said something needs to be done to the location.

She said: "It is an eyesore. I would rather see two houses there but there is no parking.

"This could lead to problems and annoy those already living in Swaine Road."

The shop has been closed for almost four years, which applicant Del Althwal says has contributed to the site becoming "very dilapidated and suffering with vandalism issues as a result".

Planning documents state: "The existing shop premises requires very considerable investment to merit it being reused for retail purposes.

"The lack of use in the last few years have allowed further deterioration to occur.

"The site has been the subject of further decay during the long planning process that has occurred, and has recently had windows smashed and trespassers damaging the two existing buildings further.

"A planning solution is urgently sought by the applicant to draw this phase to a close."

The plans are considered a "fair and reasonable design compromise" by the applicant, and one that will provide housing which local people will want to live in, of a good quality build, family friendly, and of an affordable price in a central location.

This is not the first time plans have been proposed for the site to be redeveloped. In May 2021, plans were put forward for three houses to be built on the site.

However, Ashford Borough Council (ABC) rejected these proposals saying the plans contradicted a number of planning policies.

Council planners also said the "cramped" homes would have had insufficient off-road parking, gardens and pedestrian access.

The Costcutter was re-bought by a former owner in 2021 after it had been shut for more than three years and on the market for two of them.

A decision for the application is due on May 5.